-sfT-r>
)(**£>*
^^NCE you try Shellubrication, you'll never want to be with-
out it. Not only because Shellubrication means guaranteed effi-
cient lubrication, but because of the many extra services it in-
cludes . . . at no extra cost.
Every Shellubrication dealer is pledged to vacuum or thor-
oughly brush out inside your car . . . rubber dress your running
boards and tires . . . silence all body squeaks . . . check your
lights . . . shine all chromium . . . wipe off body and fenders . . .
and provide many other services that help preserve the orig-
inal newness of your car.
Drive in to your neighborhood Shellubrication dealer's today.
Ask him about this modern car-upkeep service.-
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
SphwqJtxmsL
IS HOME TIME
NATURE is NEW at springtime. Trees
come forth with a NEW garb of
green. Buds burgeon out in NEW
shades of bloom. Our fair-feathered
friends return and begin again their
NEW homes.
Make your surroundings new also
this spring. If you contemplate a new
home, we are now prepared to take
care of your building program on a
new, simplified plan. We are able to
FINANCE the building as well as to as-
sist you in lining up your blueprints and
other incidentals with less time . . . less
trouble . . . and less expense.
TF you plan to RENEW your
present home by remodel-
ing or addition, we are prepared to finance your program with-
out mortgaging your home and without a down payment.
Springtime is home time. Join the springtime parade by mak-
ing your surroundings NEW . . . through our simplified plans
. . . which make building a pleasure.
SUGAR HOUSE LUMBER & HARDWARE CO.
1164 East Twenty-first South St.
Phone Hyland 555
M. O. ASHTON, Manager
193
/Mmprouementfra
'The Glory of God is Intelligence'
APRIL, 1938
VOLUME 41
NUMBER 4
"THE VOICE OF THE CHURCH'
OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS,
MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS, DEPART-
MENT OF EDUCATION, MUSIC COMMITTEE, WARD
TEACHERS, AND OTHER AGENCIES OF THE CHURCH
OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.
Heber J.
Grant,
John A.
Widtsoe,
Editors
Richard L. Evans,
Managing
Editor
Marba C
Josephson,
Associate Editor
George Q.
Morris, General Mgr.
Lucy G. Cannon, Associate Mgr,
J. K. Orton
, Business Mgr.
JhsL £jdctoHL (paqsL
To One Who Fears For His Testimony Heber J. Grant 199
The Teacher "Watches Over the Church Always"
David O. McKay
Priesthood and Security John A. Widtsoe
One Hundred Years of Tithing Sylvester Q* Cannon
Some Statistical Comparisons Dilworth Walker
For Time and Eternity Leah D. Widtsoe
Church Moves On, 226; Priesthood: Melchizedek, 232;
Aaronic, 235; Ward Teaching, 237; Genealogical Society, 238;
Mutual Messages: Executives, 239; Adults, 239; Seniors, 239;
M Men, 240; Gleaners, 240; M Men-Gleaners, 240; Explorers,
241; Scouts, 241; Juniors, 241; Bee-Hive Girls, 242; Security,
255.
200
202
206
210
220
Sp&riaL J&alwuLL.
A Voice from the Past Charles A, Callis 196
The President's Year Richard L. Evans 204
A Challenge to the Church in the News
Marba C. Josephson 216
The Protestors of Christendom James L. Barker 218
Some Thoughts on the Social Message of the Book of
Mormon Jean Wunderlich
Zion Easter Pageant Scheduled Again, 231; On the Book
Rack, 227; Homing: I'm Glad I'm Alive, Edith Welch, 229;
Exploring the Universe, Franklin S. Harris, Jr., 247; Index to
Advertisers, 252; Your Page and Ours, 256; Here's How, 252.
222
fcdtttfuahu
The Law of Tithing John A* Widtsoe 224
Temple Marriage John A* Widtsoe 224
"Every Whit Whole" Richard L. Evans 225
3>iciwn, (paribuf, fooAAwxrul (Pu%%Isl
Beckoning Roads — Chapter 3 Dorothy Clapp Robinson 208
A Good Sport Florence Strong 215
Frontispiece: Miracle, Miranda Snow Walton, 198; Poetry
Page, 228; Scriptural Crossword Puzzle, 254.
JhsL Qovsuv
JHerhaps the greatest modern symbol of the spread of truth and enlightenment is the
radio; and radio and Temple Square in Salt Lake City, and the Tabernacle organ
and choir, have become ideas inseparably associated in the minds of the entire North
American continent — and beyond. From here our leaders speak, our music is heard, and
our thoughts are given utterance over many lands. This composite picture, executed by
Fielding K. Smith and D. F. Davis, pictorially represents these closely associated ideas.
194
What a U. S. Army General once
said about the Mormon people?
Page 196
Where in the West the Easter Ser-
vice is held at sunset instead of
sunrise? ; Page 231
What should be the relationship of
the Ward Teacher to his "flock"?
Page 200
In what thirteen countries President
Grant found an open press and
warm welcome? Page 204
To what extent the growth of the
Church depends on the activity
of its Priesthood? Page 202
How long the law of tithing has
been operating modernly and
what it means to the Church
today? Page 206
How the Church compares with the
whole United States on its death
rate for Cancer? Diabetes? So-
cial Diseases? Rheumatism? Di-
gestive Diseases? Appendicitis?
Alcoholism? Pages 210-214
What has characterized the Mor-
mon-Press relationships for the
year? Page 216
What has been the evolution of so-
called Christian baptism?- Page 218
What are the vital points concern-
ing marriage which prospective
brides and grooms should know?
Page 220
What is the social message of the
Book of Mormon and what does
it say concerning "the voice of
the people"? Page 222
What new Church book makes
available heretofore comparative-
ly inaccessible utterances of the
Prophet Joseph Smith? Page 227
Where is soap made from coal?
J>age 230
What are the current Priesthood
instructions from the General Au-
thorities? Pages 232-236
What eminent Swedish Genealogist
has recently visited Church ar-
chives? Page 238
What are the plans for the Boy
Scout Church Jubilee?
Pages 241-242
EXECUTIVE AND EDITORIAL
OFFICES:
50 North Main Street, Salt Lake City, Utah
Copyright 1938, by the Young Men's Mutual
Improvement Association Corporation of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
All rights reserved. Subscription price, $2.00
a year, in advance; 20c Single Copy.
Entered at the Post Office, Salt Lake City,
Utah, as second-class matter. Acceptance for
mailing at special rate of postage provided
for in section 1103, Act of October, 1917,
authorized July 2, 1918.
The Improvement Era is not responsible
for unsolicited manuscripts, but welcomes con-
tributions. All manuscripts must be accompanied
by sufficient postage for delivery and return.
NATIONAL ADVERTISING
REPRESENTATIVES
Edward S. Townsend, San Francisco
George T. Hopewell & Co., New York
E. J. Powers & Co., Chicago
Hil. F. Best, Detroit
MEMBER OF THE AUDIT BUREAU OF CIRCULATIONS
A MAGAZINE FOR EVERY
MEMBER OF THE FAMILY
Say, mister, you don't use nearly as much
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II
•M^'kS^S:^
The economy you get when you change to a new 1938
Chevrolet is the kind everybody welcomes, because it is
economy attained without sacrifice of performance; com-
fort, or durability. With a Chevrolet, you save not only
in fuel and oil costs, but also in first cost and in oper-
ating and maintenance cost. You get more miles to
the gallon of gasoline, more miles to the quart of oil-^
and, in addition, you get more in style, in comfort, and in
safety. In short, you get more motoring enjoyment, satis-
faction, and value when you get a new 1938 Chevrolet.
CHEVROLET MOTOR DIVISION, General Motors Sales Corporation, DETROIT, MICHIGAN
General Motors Instalment Plan — Convenient. Economical Monthly Payments.
A- General Motors. Value.
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*On Master De luxe
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THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
A VOICE
Thousands of women throughout
the West patronize their local FUL-
LER Paint Dealers for all their needs
in Paints, Cleaners. Waxes and
Wallpapers.
Well do they know that the word
FULLER is a pledge of highest qual-
ity. They appreciate, too, the com-
petent and reliable advice on deco-
rative problems that every Fuller
Dealer is so well prepared to give.
Ask for free booklets and color
charts that will be an inspiration to
spring beautifying.
See Your Local
Fuller Paint Dealer
W. P. FULLER & GO.
Salt Lake City and Ogden, Utah
FULLER
PAINTS
FROM THE PAST
By CHARLES A. CALLIS
Of the Council of the Twelve
'"The self-told story of Brigadier
General Anson Mills pre-
sents a brief pen picture of Brig-
ham Young and his people.
Utah in the long ago, gives a brief
but well-drawn pen picture of the
great Mormon leader. The picture
is worthy of perpetuation. General
Mills' story follows:
At the expiration of my leave, I was
ordered to the command of Fort Bridger,
Utah, [Territory] where my company had
arrived in my absence.
The volunteers, under General P. Ed-
ward Connor, were being relieved. The
posts and the territory were both in a
chaotic condition, the soldiers harassing
the Mormons and encouraging the Gentiles
in unlawful persecutions. . . .
I was prejudiced against the Mormons,
but found they were the best people in
the country, and the only ones who would
fill contracts fairly. The Gentiles practiced
every device to beat the government, but
the word of a Mormon was his bond.
With Major Lewis, commanding Fort
Douglas at Salt Lake, I called upon Brigham
Young. He looked like General Grant,
and was an earnest and, I believe, a sincere
and conscientious man. He said he was
glad to meet a regular officer, because the
regular army always treated them well, but
that the volunteers under Connor had been
demoralizing to those of the Mormon faith.
Discussing my prejudice against his people,
about which he asked and I answered
frankly, he said: "You have doubtless
heard we are disloyal to the Union." Point-
ing to the flag flying over his Tabernacle,
he said it had waved every day since the
war began. Upon his invitation I attended
his Church and heard him preach the next
Sunday.
I visited the Tabernacle in company with
his son-in-law and saw open on the pulpit
the inspired volumes from which they
preached: the Old Testament, the New
Testament, and the Book of Mormon. He
presented a copy of the latter to me, in-
scribed with his name, which I still have.
My experiences changed my mind re-
garding the Mormon people. I believe their
Church the equal of any in the inculcation
of those qualities which make the Mormons
law-abiding, industrious, economical, and
faithful to all their agreements.
From My Story, by Anson Mills, Brigadier General,
U. S. A.. 1921, pages 103, 104, 105.
BRIGADIER GENERAL ANSON MILLS
AT the close of the Civil War
Captain Anson Mills, of El
Paso, Texas, took over the
command of Fort Bridger, 1865-
1867. Later he was commissioned
Brigadier General, United States
Army. He visited Salt Lake City,
when people slowly wended their
way in wagons through its dusty
unpaved streets.
In his autobiography, My Story,
published in 1921, General Mills
records his experiences in the West
when he was in command at Fort
Bridger. Whenever this historic
fort is spoken of, forms and scenes
from the dimness of the past move
like a dream before the conscious-
ness of those who know the story
of the West.
General P. Edward Connor,
founder of Fort Douglas, famous
Indian fighter and a staunch backer
of the mining industry, dawns on
us out of time gone by. He express-
ed considerable bitterness of spirit
toward the Mormon Church, but
the mellowing and revealing power
of the passing years enabled him to
see the situation more clearly.
When President Brigham Young
was unjustly haled into court in
1870, General Connor offered to go
bail for him in the sum of $100,000.
Brigadier General Mills, in his
graphic description of conditions in
196
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
^IliiMIHtllllltnHIIIIUMIIIiMlirHlinilllllMllliflMIMIMMnillUllllinilfiMUHIiniMIIIIIIIIIIM hlllMIIIIIIIIIIIMMIllIIII liriMNIIMMMinnMUIMItMIMMIinMlfMIUtMlilinitlitillMIMIIillMliniMlinilMlllinMllHIIIIIIIIllllllMlllinilinillinilltMiltnilllllHIIIllllllllllllllllItinill^
1938 SUMMER SESSION
AT THE
UTAH STATE
AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE
SEMI-CENTENNIAL YEAR
Will Begin Monday, June 13, and will Continue for Six Weeks,
to Friday, July 22.
Resident Faculty Members, together with eminent, visiting
educators of recognized scholarship, will offer courses in gradu-
ate and undergraduate work.
EDUCATION:
Dr. George C. Kyte, University of California
Dr. Jean Betzner, Columbia University
Member of the State Department of
Education
Dr. Henry A. Dixon, Weber College
Em Eccles Jones, Demonstration
Kindergarten
COACHING SCHOOL:
L. B. Allison, California (Football)
C. S. Edmunsen, Washington (Basketball)
ECONOMICS:
Dr. Sheldon C. Tanner, Penn State
VOCATIONAL AGRICULTURE:
Nationally known authorities
PHYSICAL EDUCATION:
Professor Eugene Roberts, University of
Southern California
Bernice Moss, State Department of Public
Instruction
HEALTH EDUCATION:
Dr. Edna Bailey, University of California
Utah State Department of Public
Health
SOCIAL CASE WORK:
Bessie McClenahan, University of South-
ern California
ETHICS:
Dr. John A. Widtsoe
Dr. F. L. West
DAILY LECTURE PROGRAM
Dr. Alexander Meiklejohn, Philosophy
Dr. Paul Popenoe, Human Relations
Dr. Edward Davison, Literature
Dr. Philo N. Buck, Literature
REGULARLY SCHEDULED POST SESSION
[ July 25-August 19
= -• ' ■ i
| REQUEST A CATALOGUE
| UTAH STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE j
f LOGAN, UTAH
'Hi i lillin i , . . : .1 1 ;i > . 1 1 :. < M j I : II: ! !) I , , . ,1 1 H ! M! 1 1 il< ; M 1 1 1 111 1 1 1 . > . 1 1 K. ! I II I ! I II 1 1 IIJ1 i : i Mi Ml 1 1 ! I i I : I !>:<!.! 1 1 1 . ! W > > . 1 1 : 1 1 1 N 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 [ II I II >>li 1 1 1 1 1 li M ! 1 1 i ! 1 1 4 ! U r M 111 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 II 1 1 ! 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 II > i J 1 1 ! 1 1 > ! 1 1 ! 1 1 1 1 1 J I > H I [ 1 1 1 1 T 1 1 i 1 ] i i I K J 1 1 1 1 J 1 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ! 1 1 i 1 1 1 M 1 1 1 E i i I i I <U I , ^
197
:::■;:,
1*11
■\\\
Hail
eis; a™
1»
as s
Miracle
By MIRANDA
SNOW
WALTON
[""I E sat beside the open fire, his strong back
bent with toil,
His thin hands, gray with age, were gnarled
from years with wind and soil;
He spoke of days when he was young, of
work his hands had done,
Helping to build a commonwealth from sage
and sand and sun.
ul helped my father chisel stones, to build a
house of prayer,
We made a shrine for God, and placed a lofty
organ there."
He voiced but one regret, "That year we had
to move away
Before 'twas done. I've never heard that
mighty organ play.
Each year I've tried to leave, but always there
was work, you know,
And now," his gray eyes filled with tears, "I'm
just too old to go/
//
I crossed the room, and turned a dial: a glorious
melody
Thrilled the mute air, fulfilled his wish; Heaven
had heard his plea.
I looked into his reverent eyes, and did not
think it odd
That, in the radio, he saw a miracle of God.
Dedicated by the author to her pioneer father,
Henry Brooks Snow
O^^m^^TD
Hhe EDITOR'S PAGE
JhsL PAMukntJL TYbi&AaqsL io Owl
A
S WRITTEN BY HIS OWN HAND TO A
FRIEND MORE THAN FIFTY YEARS AGO.
]U[ore than fifty years ago a friend of President Grant,
residing in another city, wrote that he had no
testimony of the truth of the Gospel. This admission
brought forth from the President, then only thirty
years of age, a reply mingling cold reason and inspira-
tion in a manner that gives answer not only to the
President's friend but to all who feel themselves in
like position. In going over the President's voluminous
and carefully kept papers, his daughter, Rachel Grant
Taylor, came upon this letter which we reprint here not
only for the value of its message, but also as a thought-
ful insight into the straight thinking and inspiration of
a young man who fulfilled the promise of his youth.
My dear friend:
You claim that you have no testimony of the truth of the
Gospel. I am inclined to the opinion that you felt almost as
if you had written what was not so when you penned those
words. I shall not enter into an argument on the subject,
knowing that it will do no good, as no amount of argument
would change your position. If the spirit within you did not
feel condemned when you wrote that you had no testimony,
then I am sure that you are walking on very dangerous
ground, and my advice to you is that you start in and devote
your time to fasting and prayer until you obtain a testimony.
I can't give you a testimony any more than I can do your
eating and thinking for you. The history of our people and
the history our enemies are making and have made against us
is as strong a testimony as I know anything of, so far as
convincing my reason goes. The fact that crime cannot live
in the Church and that the Church has stood and can stand
because of the testimony in the hearts of the people, even
if half or two-thirds of the leaders were to make shipwreck
of their faith, is another item. The fact that men live God-like
lives and testify to the truth of the Gospel (Why? Because
their lives entitle them to the spirit of God, and they can
therefore testify by its aid.) and then do evil and testify that
the Gospel is not true (Why? Because their lives have caused
God's spirit to depart from them. ) is another item that would
naturally appeal to one's reason.
It would frighten my reason if, when I found men increas-
ing in wisdom and good acts, I found them drawing away
from the Gospel; but I have during my entire life to find a
case of this kind. When men stop praying for God's spirit,
they place confidence in their own unaided reason and they
gradually lose the spirit of God, just as near and dear friends,
by never writing to or visiting with each other, will become
perfect strangers, so to speak. The minute a man stops sup-
plicating God for His spirit and direction, just so soon he
begins to become a stranger to Him and His works.
I might go on and write a dozen pages in the same vein as
I have started and you would find nothing in them that would
give you a testimony, or perhaps nothing that you had not
thought of yourself. Earnest, honest, and sincere prayer to
God is worth more to you than all I can say or write.
Everything is progressing favorably with me. The family
and I are in the possession of good health. . . . With assur-
ances of regard and esteem, and best wishes for you and
yours, I remain,
Sincerely yours,
Heber J. Grant.
199
WHHhe Gospel," said Paul, "is
the power of God unto sal-
vation;" that is, to the sal-
vation of each individual. Every
man is a child of God, and the Lord
is interested in his happiness, in his
salvation. That was the Savior's
work, the Savior's example. His
policy was to make the individual
right; then He knew that the group
of individuals would be right; so we
find Him conversing with persons,
and expressing many of His choicest
teachings in personal conversations.
He met Peter and said: "Thy
name shall be called Cephas, a
stone," and later, to the same
Apostle and to others listening, "Up-
on this rock I will build my church,
and the gates of hell shall not pre-
vail against it."
He met Nathaniel, an Israelite,
in whom there was no guile. An-
drew and John followed Him, and
to them He made His first recorded
utterance: "What seek ye?"
To the woman of Samaria: "God
is a spirit; they that worship Him
must worship Him in spirit and in
truth."
To Nicodemus: "Except a man
be born again, he cannot see the
Kingdom of God."
To Zacchaeus, He taught the les-
son of giving, and the folly of taking
money which did not belong to him.
So we may go through His entire
life. It is true that He preached
wonderful sermons as recorded in
the 5th, 6th, and 7th chapters of
200
The teacher "watches
C TATISTICS ARE ONE THING AND FINE IN THEIR PLACE
■ — BUT THIS MATTER OF WARD TEACHING INVOLVES
THE GREATER SERVICE OF BEING SINCERELY INTERESTED
IN THE TEMPORAL AND SPIRITUAL WELFARE OF OUR
"FLOCK" AND DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT WHEN
SOMETHING NEEDS DOING.
The teacher's duty is to watch over the
church always, and be with and strengthen
them;
And see that there is no iniquity in the
church, neither hardness with each other,
neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking;
And see that the church meet together
often, and also see that all the members do
their duty.
And he is to take the lead of meetings
in the absence of the elder or priest. (Doc.
& Cov. 20:53-56.)
A careful analysis of these duties
discloses the fact that the Ward
Teacher possesses six leading quali-
fications; viz., those of watchman,
strengthened arbitrator, guide, ex-
emplar, and leader.
The responsibility of seeing that
there is no "hardness with each
other, neither lying, backbiting, nor
evil speaking" is particularly signifi-
cant. In the performance of this
duty there is manifest the principle
of arbitration, expounded by the
Prophet Joseph Smith over a cen-
tury ago; yet today civilized nations
are just beginning to apply it to the
settling of international difficulties
and disputes, and that seemingly
with little success.
What does this responsible offi-
cial— the Ward Teacher — now do
under present general practice? And
in asking this question, and answer-
ing it, there is no thought of casting
reflections, but we must face the
facts. First, he visits once a month
or less frequently. Yet he is ap-
pointed "to watch over the Church
always." Second, he either reads
the message of the bishop, or leaves
it for the family to read. Third, he
asks few, if any, questions regarding
the attitude toward Church doctrine.
Fourth, he makes only cursory in-
quiry, if any at all, regarding hard
feelings towards other members of
the Church. Fifth, seldom, if ever,
does he ask about attendance at Sac-
rament meetings, and yet that is one
of his specifically assigned duties.
Sixth, very few teachers keep per-
sonal records of individuals in their
district regarding Church activity
and assignments.
Matthew, and others in the 14th,
15th, 16th, and 17th chapters of
John, including a prayer, the sermon
on the bread of life; but His life was
spent principally in converting the
individual. It seems that He was
willing to wait, for centuries if neces-
sary, until men individually had the
transformation that comes with the
genuine testimony of the truth of His
divinity.
We find that same example in this
dispensation after He appeared to
the Prophet Joseph Smith. In the
Doctrine and Covenants many of
the revelations were given to indi-
viduals— a source of objection by
some to the book. Such objectors
do not understand the significance
of God's work as it relates to the in-
dividual.
Now what has all this to do with
Ward Teaching? Simply this:
These representatives of the bishop
— the Ward Teachers — are the men
who reach the individual, the men
upon whom the responsibility rests
to convert, to comfort, and to teach.
Ward Teachers are on the firing
line. Under our present undertak-
ing I can see a vast contribution to
the Church Security Plan if we can
get our Ward Teachers to do their
duty. And I use "if" advisedly. I
believe we can have a different at-
titude towards this work — not undo
or change what we are doing, but
throw a different light upon it.
For example, the Lord has said
just what the Teacher's duty is:
Tf you will turn to your reports, you
will find that the statistics relate
OVER THE CHURCH ALWAYS
//
By PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY
of the First Presidency
more to the labors of the teachers
than to conditions or duties or well-
being of those visited. On a typical
report card, appear these items:
Husband's name.
Wife's name, etc.
Times attended Sacrament meeting.
Number of persons in family.
Number of those present at the visit.
Number families visited.
Number called on and not at home.
Number not accessible.
Number not called on.
These are statistics which do not
cover, excepting in two instances,
the specific points that the teacher
is required to teach. All this is very
good, but is it not possible for us to
change our attitude and include some
of the fundamentals given by reve-
lation? Let us see: Divide the ward,
as it is now, so that each group will
contain, let us say, no more than
five families. Assign to each group
of five families one member of the
Melchizedek Priesthood, and one
member of the Teacher's quorum.
Let that ordained Teacher — not
Deacon; not Priest — whose duty it
is, take care of the statistics, assist
in reporting removals, arrivals, new
appointments in quorums, auxil-
iaries, wards, and missions. He will
be glad to do it, and he is capable
of doing it. But the duty of the
adult member is to watch over the
Church always. For what purpose?
To perform the six specific duties
God has given him; viz., to guard,
to strengthen, to arbitrate, to be
exemplary, to admonish, and to lead.
When he enters the home he enters
it authoritatively, and the father, or
the mother if the father be absent,
respectfully turns over the house-
hold to him. The Adult Teacher
will take the lead in ascertaining by
such authoritative visits the standing
and attitude of each member of
every family. Do not say that this
is difficult or is making your duties
more arduous. It is a necessary
service and a privilege.
Some families do not need so much
attention. You may already know
of their circumstances and spiritual
condition. You can casually call
and find out how they feel and how
harmoniously they are living with
President McKay has long advo-
cated a new concept of the work
of the Ward Teacher, and has so
preached at general, stake and ward
Priesthood gatherings and confer-
ences. Here, in brief, is his plan for
a changed attitude in Ward Teach-
ing— an attitude which will take care
of the mere statistics and also per-
form the higher service of being
genuinely interested and informed
concerning the temporal and spiritual
well-being of our people — and so,
The Teacher "Watches Over the
Church Always."
their neighbors and with the Church.
But here is a young man in your
district who is indolent, neglectful,
sour, spiritually sick. Be with him
to comfort him, to strengthen him,
not on a formal visit alone, but at
every opportunity you can make.
Co much for the Teacher. Now
what about the Priest? It is the
duty of the Priest "to preach, teach,
expound, and to exhort all to come
to Christ." He can hold cottage
meetings as some are doing now.
Let us lay emphasis upon such
meetings. Those young Priests will
come to the house of Brother
Brown and say: "We should like
to hold a cottage meeting in your
house for this district." Having
obtained Brother Brown's permis-
sion, those young men will invite the
non-members and members alike to
come to their meeting, to be con-
ducted under their direction. They
are teaching; that is the duty of the
Priest, to preach, teach, exhort, and
invite all to come to Christ.
But the adult member of the
Priesthood and that ordained
Teacher will act independently of
the Priest. They will be in Sacrament
meeting next Sunday and note those
who are present at the meeting.
They know all of the members in
their district, will note the presence
or absence of any one of their
charges, and when they meet any
they will commend or exhort as
occasion merits or demands. A
casual remark such as "We missed
you at Sacrament meeting last Sun-
day evening," may inspire to action
more than a fifteen minute lecture.
The Ward Teacher's duty is to see
that all members do their duty.
Then, in the monthly report, there
may be given in addition to other
statistics such facts as follow:
Name
Priesthood held
Office or Church Activity
Attending to Church duties
Harmony — Yes or No
(Some men holding the Priesthood will
be face to face with a man who is out of
harmony, who is finding fault. Give him
a chance to express himself, then the
Teacher, who has the right, can wisely and
kindly set him right.)
Position — (President of the High Priests'
Quorum, Sunday School Superintendent,
or whatever it is) .
Active? — Yes.
Does he keep the Word of Wisdom?
Yes or No.
(The question of tithe-paying and fast
offerings should be left to the bishop, who
will instruct Brother Brown, the bishop's
representative and senior member over those
five families, to admonish Brother so-and-
so in the payment of tithes and offerings.)
Then the monthly report to the
bishop may include, for example, the
following :
Summary
Total number in the district.
Number of visits made.
(These will include the visits of those
two teachers who go on their regular work,
and also any special visits of the adult
member.
The number in harmony with members
and neighbors in the Church.
(If we have 25 in the five families, and
20 are in harmony^-80%.)
Number attending meetings — 15 60%
Number attending to duties 88%
Keeping the Word of Wisdom 96%
The Teacher hands this to the
bishop who has, then, the report of
the standing of the membership of
the Church.
I believe that in Ward Teaching
there is one of the greatest oppor-
tunities in all the world to awaken
in those who are negligent, dis-
couraged, down-hearted, and sad,
renewed life and a desire to re-enter
into activity in the Church of Jesus
Christ. By such activity they will be
led back into the spiritual atmos-
phere which will lift their souls and
give them power to overcome weak-
nesses which are now shackling
them.
To give help, encouragement, and
inspiration to every individual is the
great responsibility and privilege of
Ward Teachers.
201
Priesthood
BRIGHAM YOUNG AND HIS PEOPLE VIEWING
THE SALT LAKE VALLEY.
From a mural in the Union Pacific Station,
Salt Lake City.
The divinely inspired L. D. S.
Church Security Program has
made great progress, more
than expected, in the time since it
was undertaken. However, there is
much yet to be done. Provision has
been made for caring for the poor;
but the relief of unemployment is yet
to be fully accomplished. The future
of the Program, the accomplishment
of its purposes, depend on the ac-
tivity of the Priesthood of the
Church. Indeed, the Church Secur-
ity movement will succeed in pro-
portion to the support given it by the
Priesthood bearers of the Church.
The life and vitality of the Church
are drawn from the Priesthood with
which the Church has been en-
dowed. Auxiliary organizations and
all similar helps can give but feeble
service if the power of the Priest-
hood be withdrawn from them. Even
so with the Security Program, the
progress of which depends upon the
exercise of the power of the Priest-
hood. As men use the Priesthood
conferred upon them, so will the
Church and all its activities prosper.
When the men of the Church hold-
ing the Priesthood perform their du-
W SECURITY
By DR. JOHN A. WIDTSOE
Of the Council of the Twelve
\I7hen the men of the Church holding
the Priesthood perform their duties, the
Church is always secure. The Church can-
not rise above its body of Priesthood.
ties, the Church is always secure.
The Church can not rise above its
body of Priesthood. No law is more
clearly set forth in sacred history.
Priesthood, always preeminent in
the Church of Christ, is the power
of God. It has been with the Lord
from the beginning; it is eternal. It
is the force or tool, the creative ele-
ment, by which the heavens and the
earth were made and fashioned, by
which they are held in their places
and positions, by which all creation
LEFT: A GROUP OF THE GENERAL AUTHOR-
ITIES AND SECURITY AND STAKE OFFICIALS
INSPECTING THE CELERY ACREAGE OF THE
WELLS STAKE PRIESTHOOD.
RIGHT: VIEW OF WHEAT IN JUAB STAKE
GROWN BY THE PRIESTHOOD.
Photos Courtesy Deseret News.
may win the happiness of existence.
It is also the authority by which
mortal man may assist in the con-
summation of the purposes of the
Almighty with respect to the human
family and all created beings.
Through it are manifested the attri-
butes and the works of God.
In the words of Brigham Young
(Discourses, p. 201 ) :
The Priesthood of the Son of God, which
we have in our midst, is a perfect order and
system of government, and this alone can
deliver the human family from all the evils
which now afflict its members, and insure
them happiness and felicity hereafter. . . it
is the law by which the worlds are, were
and will continue forever and ever. It is
that system which brings worlds into exist-
ence and peoples them, gives them their
202
revolutions — their days, weeks, months,
years, their seasons and times, and by which
they are rolled up as a scroll, as it were,
and go into a higher state of existence.
When the Priesthood is conferred
upon a person, he receives a portion
of this matchless, divine power, by
which, if he obey the laws of the
Gospel, he may actually perform
with more ease and certainty every
task of life, whether of a spiritual
or a temporal nature, for personal or
general human welfare. Whenever
the bearers of the Priesthood exer-
cise this power, and all acts should
be directed by the Priesthood, they
move conclusively to the full accom-
plishment of every righteous under-
taking of the Church. Therefore,
in their hands lies, primarily, the
future of the Security Program. This
should be the sober thought of every
man upon whom the Priesthood has
been conferred.
Priesthood implies leadership.
The revelations of the Lord declare
repeatedly that those who have re-
ceived the Priesthood bear the re-
sponsibility of leading out and
carrying forward every project for
the advancement of the restored
Church of Christ. They must be
the foremost laborers in the King-
dom of God. Nor can this responsi-
bility be shifted to others, to pre-
siding officers or to helps to the
Priesthood, such as auxiliary bodies,
but it must be accepted and borne
individually by the Priesthood bear-
ers themselves. Activity among the
Priesthood in behalf of the Security
LEFT: HARVESTING "CHURCH SECURITY"
WHEAT GROWN IN JUAB STAKE AS A PRIEST-
HOOD PROJECT.
RIGHT: A GROUP OF THE GENERAL AUTHOR-
ITIES AND STAKE OFFICIALS VIEWING A
CHURCH SECURITY STOREHOUSE.
Photos Courtesy Deseret News.
Program or any similar need will
stir the whole Church into corres-
ponding action. This is the great
responsibility of the Priesthood.
TThe organization of the Priesthood
into quorums, really groups of
brethren blessed with the Priest-
hood, makes it easy for the men of
the Church to perform their priestly
duties. The relatively small number
assigned by revelation to each quo-
rum enables the quorum-group to
know intimately the condition and
needs of every member. Moreover,
such a group may function more ef-
fectively, as a unit, in accomplishing
assigned and accepted tasks such as
the helping of their brethren who
may be in distress, or the carrying
out of quorum projects, those for
example now being established for
the Security Program. There is no
conflict here between quorum and
ward bishop or stake president.
These officers, in the last analysis,
are administrative officers of the
Priesthood as well as of the lay
members of the Church, and there-
LEFT: A CHURCH SECURITY WAREHOUSE
FOR CANNED GOODS.
RIGHT: A BEET CROP GROWN AS A PRIEST-
HOOD PROJECT.
Photos Courtesy Deseret News.
fore a part of any righteous Priest-
hood movement to bless and help.
The high ideal of a Priesthood
quorum is that of true brotherhood,
under the laws and requirements of
the Lord. The spirit of Priesthood
is simply the spirit of true brother-
hood. A group of brethren working
toward such an ideal become irre-
sistible in overcoming difficulties and
achieving desired results. The world
is waiting for the service of such
brotherly organizations. Peace on
earth will come when men look upon
one another as brethren.
Four great objectives have long
been set up for the quorums of the
Priesthood:
1. To become better acquainted, through
careful study, with the doctrines of the Gos-
pel and their applications to life. The Gos-
pel Doctrine class in Sunday School and
the regular Priesthood courses of study offer
the means for such instruction. Ignorance
has no place among the quorums of the
Priesthood. The Gospel is ever character-
ized by the possession of truth and the use
of truth for human good. . .
2. To render regularly some service to
the Church. By such activity a man not
only learns more intimately the workings of
the Church, but finds the joy that always
comes from unselfish service in helping to
advance the cause of the Lord. He thus
prepares himself to accept from time to time
the call to official position that may come to
every man in a Church in which all right-
eous men do or may hold the Priesthood.
3. To care for the personal welfare of
every quorum member, temporally, intellec-
tually, and spiritually. This means that the
quorum should provide for their needy
brethren from the resources of the quorum
and application to the established relief
(Continued on page 250)
203
JAc PRESIDENT'S YEAR
An open press and the welcome of officialdom
in many lands only with the help of the
Lord could he have had such a year, and we are
grateful that he had it.
THE PRESIDENT AS HE ENGAGED IN A LAST
MINUTE GOOD-HUMORED CHAT WITH MISSION-
ARIES IN NORWAY.
When the world honors an
ambassador of the Church
in his official capacity it
honors the Church and its people.
With this recognized rule of
diplomacy in mind we feel to marvel
and to render our unspeakable
thanks for the honors and the open-
armed reception and recognition that
have come to our people during the
past year, through President Heber
J. Grant, the present earthly head
of the Church of Jesus Christ.
When, in the April, 1937, issue
of The Improvement Era, we re-
viewed "The President's Eventful
Year," the events there chronicled
seemed to have reached such unpre-
cedented heights for a Mormon rep-
resentative, that we scarcely hoped
to have for review at this time any
happenings that would rise above
those then presented. But without
doubt the past year has been more
eventful from the standpoint of
world recognition than any preced-
ing it. Nor has the President,
though in his eighty-second year,
slackened his pace in working, trav-
eling, planning, or preaching.
In the early months of 1937, prior
to June 13, President Grant had
made official visits to Reno, Nevada;
Hollywood and Pasadena, Califor-
nia; Atlanta, Georgia, and surround-
ing territory; Zion National Park
(Memorial Day Broadcast, over a
nationwide CBS broadcast), and
Idaho Falls, Idaho. During this five-
month period of the year he had
also preached at two funerals, at-
tended meetings in Salt Lake City
wards on four Sundays, dedicated
five Church buildings in Utah and
California, had fought and overcome
a serious attack of influenza threat-
204
AT THE BOY SCOUT JAMBOREE, HOLLAND.
"SEEING STOCKHOLM"
ening pneumonia, conducted the
General Conference of the Church
in April, conducted the additional
heavy routine business of the
Church devolving upon the Presi-
dent, and had continued in good
health, good spirits, and normal en-
joyment of life.
Somewhat tired and under severe
tension at the time of the M. I. A.
June Conference in Salt Lake City,
the President left immediately there-
after (June 13) for Europe, with his
daughter, Lucy Grant Cannon, his
secretary, Joseph Anderson, and a
party of Church members bound for
the British Mission Centennial and
other European points of interest.
The party was joined for part of its
European activity by President and
Mrs. J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
It was here, in eleven countries of
Europe, that the press, the people,
and men and women of world note
and in high official capacities, wel-
comed and honored the President of
the Church of Jesus Christ of Lat-
ter-day Saints, extended official
courtesies, tendered enthusiastic re-
ceptions and in other ways gave
notable recognition. An open press,
with thousands of column inches in
at least eight languages, was strong
contrast to the President's previous
European visit when, as President
of the European mission during
three years from 1904 to 1906, in-
clusive, he met largely an abusive
press and the closed doors of official-
dom.
Eight chapels dedicated in Eu-
rope, fifty-five meetings at which he
spoke, an address before the Amer-
ican Club of Paris, attendance at
the World Scout Jamboree in Hol-
land, and warm and friendly meet-
ings and reunions with friends and
members and missionaries of the
Church everywhere, in addition to
being the principal figure at the
British Centennial, filled out a
PRESIDENT GRANT AS HE WAS WISHED GOOD
VOYAGE FROM SALT LAKE CITY BY PRESIDENT
CLARK.
^THIRTEEN NATIONS
crowded but highly enjoyable three
months in Europe. (See The Im-
provement Era, issues of July, Au-
gust, September, October, Novem-
ber, December, 1937, and January,
1938, for further details.)
Cince the President's return in Sep-
tember, and until the beginning
of the current year, he had conducted
another General Conference of the
Church, made official trips to New
York, Chicago, St. George and Hur-
ricane, Utah; Portland, Oregon, and
surrounding country; Denver, Colo-
rado; Prescott, Tucson, and Flag-
staff, Arizona; Lewiston and Idaho
Falls, Idaho. During the latter three
months of the year he also dedicated
seven additional Church buildings,
and attended three stake confer-
ences.
To summarize partially — and no
printed account can begin to tell the
story — the year's work of this in-
defatigable veteran in his eighty-
second year has included no less
than one hundred twenty-five public
appearances — one in less than every
three days for the entire year 1 937 —
in the United States, Canada, Eng-
land, Wales, Belgium, Holland,
Switzerland, Denmark, Norway,
Sweden, Germany, France, Czecho-
slovakia. The President's year has
included activity in a score or more
of states, dedication of twenty-one
Church structures, attendance and
direction at scores of business meet-
ings, and, except during absence,
weekly meetings with the Presi-
dency, the Council of the Twelve,
and the Presiding Bishopric. It has
included thousands of meetings with
individuals under any and all cir-
cumstances to discuss personal and
PRESIDENT GRANT WELCOMED TO FRANCE
BY DR. LYMAN.
(RIGHT)
THE PRESIDENT AND
HIS PARTY IN DEN-
MARK.
(BELOW)
PRESIDENT GRANT
(CENTER), DR. LYMAN
(RIGHT), AND PRESI-
DENT CLARK (LEFT),
AT THE CENTENNIAL
BASEBALL GAME IN
ROCHDALE, ENGLAND.
PRESIDENT GRANT WELCOMED HOME BY
PRESIDENT McKAY.
Church problems and interests. It
has included meetings, chats and in-
formal conversations and travels
with missionaries, with inconspicu-
ous members of the Church, and
with notable and influential people
of many lands and occupations, un-
der all of which conditions the Pres-
ident is entirely at home and lends
the same feeling of comfortable
ease and confidence.
And then, of course, the Presi-
dent's job has included a certain
amount of living and homely enjoy-
ment for himself, his intimate
friends, and his family — and has
included also a great host of innu-
merable and unrecordable details
and duties and obligations that take
up the days, evenings, and some-
times nights and early mornings, of
the head of a vast worldwide or-
ganization, c SKOi't.',
But more than this, the President's
job has included the profound and
crushing responsibility of being final
spokesman for the Church in all
matters — the responsibility of coun-
seling, guiding, admonishing — the
responsibility of steering the course,
as prophet and leader of his people,
of the Latter-day Church of the
Lord. Only with the constant and
unfailing help of God could the
President have had such a year —
and we are grateful that he had it.
— R. L. E.
AT THE BRITISH CENTENNIAL.
f
SHHPw
ONE HUNDRED YEARS
OF TITHING
The one hundredth anniversary of
the revelation on tithing given
through Joseph Smith, the Proph-
et, to the people of this Church
on July 8, 1838, will be celebrated
throughout the Church. The first reve-
lation on this subject in modern times,
contained in Section 119 of the Doc-
trine and Covenants was given at
Far West, Missouri, at a time when
the Saints were in dire distress. It came
in answer to the question: "O Lord,
show unto thy servants how much
thou requirest of the property of the
people for a tithing." The revelation
includes the statement printed at the
head of this article. Therefore this
date marks the beginning of the observ-
ance of the law of tithing in the latter
days.
In the hundred years which have
passed since this important revelation
was given, the Church and thousands
of its members who have observed
the law through the years have had
ample opportunity to test its operation
and the promises made by the Lord to
those whose faith has enabled to keep
this commandment.
The instances are legion in which the
promise of the Lord as given in Malachi
has been fulfilled to the complete satis-
faction of the tithepayer.
The complete statement on tithin
contained in Malachi 3:7-12 in whic
reproof is given to the Jews, is, prob-
ably, quoted more frequently than any
other passage on this subject. It reads:
Even from the days of your fathers ye are
gone away from mine ordinances, and have
not kept them. Return unto me, and I will
return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts.
But ye said, Wherein shall we return?
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have
robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we
robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have
robbed me, even this whole nation.
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse,
that there may be meat in mine house, and
prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of
hosts, if I will not open you the windows
of heaven, and pour you out a blessing,
that there shall not be room enough to re-
ceive it. (Malachi 3:7-10)
Tithing in Ancient Times
It seems clear that, from the begin-
ning, man has recognized it as a duty
to offer a portion of his substance or
"interest" to God. From earliest Bib-
lical times at least, the amount so con-
tributed throughout the ancient and
patriarchal world was almost invari-
ably, one-tenth. While there have
been times — notably among the early
Jews— when more than a tenth has been
required, the "sacred tenth" has,
through the ages, been accepted as the
amount which ought to be consecrated
to the Lord and to His Church.
206
"(but ihiA. aAoIL bsL Uul Jbsiqinmng^ jrfL
— Doc. and Cov. 119:3.
By BISHOP SYLVESTER Q. CANNON
Presiding Bishop of the Church
CHURCH-WIDE OBSERVANCE
OF HUNDREDTH ANNIVER-
SARY OF REVELATION ON
TITHING
THE Centennial Anniversary of the
revelation on tithing given to
Joseph Smith at Far West, Missouri,
July 8, 1838 and contained in Sec-
tion 119 of the Doctrine and Cove-
nants is to be observed over the
entire Church.
For several years it has been the
custom to "Teach Tithing in May"
and the message of all Ward Teach-
ers for that month has been devoted
to that subject. This year the hun-
dredth anniversary of the restoration
of the law and the many blessings
which have come to the Church and
its members who have observed it
will be stressed.
During the month of May it has
also been the custom to have short
talks on tithing given at every Sac-
rament meeting, Priesthood quorum,
and auxiliary meeting of the Church.
Special material for these talks will
be sent to bishops of all wards and
presidents of all branches.
This Church-wide campaign, the
objectives of which will be to have
the Ward Teachers carry the message
of tithing to every Latter-day Saint
home and to encourage every person
in the Church having income to pay
tithing during this centennial year,
will be presented in the Aaronic
Priesthood Convention to be held
Monday, April 4th at 4:15 p. m. in
the Assembly Hall.
The earliest direct Biblical reference
to tithing, (Genesis 14:18-20) refers to
the "tithes" and the New Testament
reference to the same incident — the
payment of tithes by Abraham to Mel-
chizedek (Hebrews 7:1-8) — makes it
clear that the tithe was one-tenth. One
text reads:
And Melchizedek king of Salem brought
forth bread and wine: and he was the priest
of the most high God.
And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be
Abram of the most high God, possessor of
heaven and earth:
And blessed be the most high God,
which hath delivered thine enemies into thy
hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
(Genesis 14:18-20).
Tithes in Ancient Israel
That the law of the tithe was well
understood in ancient Israel is also
clear. The incident of Jacob in distress,
seeking his way back to his father's
house, and his covenant with the Lord,
indicate that there was understanding
of the law. This is the Bible record:
And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God
will be with me, and will keep me in this
way that I go, and will give me bread to
eat, and raiment to put on,
So that I come again to my father's house
in peace; then shall the Lord be my God:
And this stone, which I have set for a
pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that
thou shalt give me I will surely give the
tenth unto thee. (Genesis 28:20-22).
This payment occurred, according to
Ussher's Chronology, about 1900 B. C.
That the principle of the tithe, dis-
torted as it may have been, was com-
mon to many people and races in
various parts of the early world, has
led some writers to ascribe its origin
to a single, central source in the earliest
days of recorded history. Lansdell,
discussing the "scientific' observation
as to the origin of many customs, cites
the following in answer to his own
question, "When did the practice be-
gin?
The late Professor Max Muller, for in-
stance, contends similarly for the original
unity of the human race, thus: "From the
most widely separated nationalities of the
old world we find proof of the existence of
primeval doctrines, theories of cosmical,
religious, political and even social character,
so similar in detail, that the hypothesis of
their common origin in some region that has
been historically and geographically the
center of all their people, seems to be com-
pletely established." (Articles on "Prehis'
toric" Civilization. )
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
Latter-day Saints, of course, believe
that tithing, as one of the principles of
the Gospel of Jesus Christ, did have
its origin by direct command of God to
His people.
And thus from the earliest times the
principle of contributing a portion of
one's substance to the Lord has been
accepted by at least a part of the peo-
ple of the world. At times tithing was
paid to mythical gods as in Ancient
Greece, to rulers of the land, including
even a tenth of the spoils of war, con-
sisting of slaves, cattle, lands, etc., and
to other real or imaginary personages.
In one form or another, however, the
principle was followed for sixteen cen-
turies as a religious tribute, paid, at
least ostensibly, for religious purposes.
In later years, the principle was per-
verted by ruling monarchs who seized
upon the custom to secure large sums
of money for themselves and other
government functionaries. Notwith-
standing this unholy perversion of
sacred funds, the principle has persisted
in the minds of religious people al-
though the true purpose and practice
were lost.
Tithing in Modern Times
Because its true purpose and practice
had been lost it was necessary that
there should be a restoration of the
principle of tithing, the same as with the
other principles of the true Church of
Jesus Christ. This was accomplished,
as the restoration of many other im-
portant principles was accomplished,
through a question asked of the Lord
by Joseph Smith. Another similarity
between this and some other revela-
tions, is that it was not fully under-
stood nor as readily accepted by the
members of the Church as it might have
been. The leaders, generally, and many
of the members accepted it, but many
lacked the faith to open their pocket-
books to that extent.
In the stress of establishing homes in
the west, persecution by government
officials which included escheatment of
Church property which was taken over
by the government, and the opposition
of many non-Mormon neighbors, al-
though the Church authorities preached
tithing frequently, the practice of it was
not observed by many of the people.
The difficulties became so serious that
the Church leaders found themselves
harassed with debts. The credit of the
Church was at stake. One of the most
serious crises in all Church history was
faced by the First Presidency, the
Twelve, and the Presiding Bishopric.
The Lord Points the Way
This was the condition when Lorenzo
Snow became President of the Church.
Early in his administration he gave
much serious consideration to the fi-
nances of the Church. In the midst of
his contemplation of the serious con-
dition of the Church, he was impressed
to organize a group of Church leaders
WHAT CHURCH LEADERS
HAVE SAID ABOUT
TITHING
Prophet Joseph Smith
As recorded in Church history the
Prophet and his associate, Oliver
Cowdery, made the following cove-
nant with the Lord:
"That if the Lord will prosper us
in our business and open the way
before us that we may obtain means
to pay our debts, that we be not
troubled nor brought into disrepute
before the world, nor His people;
after that, of all that He shall give
unto us, we will give a tenth to be
bestowed upon the poor in His
Church, or as He shall command, and
that we will be faithful over that
which He has entrusted to our care,
that we may obtain much, and that
our children after us shall remember
to observe this sacred and holy cove-
nant, and that our children, and our
children's children may know of the
same, we have subscribed our names
with our own hands."
President Brigham Young
"One thing is required at the hands
of this people, and to understand
which there is no necessity for re-
ceiving a commandment every year,
viz.: to pay their tithing. I do not
suppose for a moment that there is
a person in this Church who is un-
acquainted with the duty of paying
tithing, neither is it necessary to have
revelation every year upon the sub-
ject. There is a law — pay one-
tenth."
President John Taylor
"I am desirous to see the people
observe this law of tithing, because
it is a plain and direct command to
us. The gold and the silver are His,
and so are the cattle upon a thousand
hills; and to Him belongs power to
command all things. And what we
do possess of this world's goods is
given unto us to make a wise use of,
because we cannot take them with
us when we shall be called hence."
President Joseph F. Smith
"By this principle (tithing) the
loyalty of the people of this Church
shall be put to the test. By this
principle it shall be known who is for
the kingdom of God and who is
against it. By this principle it shall
be seen whose hearts are set on doing
the will of God and keeping His com-
mandments, thereby sanctifying the
land of Zion unto God, and who are
opposed to this principle and have
cut themselves off from the blessings
of Zion."
President Heber J. Grant
"Prosperity comes to those who
observe the law of tithing; and when
I say prosperity I am not thinking
of it in terms of dollars and cents
alone, although as a rule the Latter-
day Saints who are the best tithe-
payers are the most prosperous men
financially; but what I count as real
prosperity, as the one thing of all
others that is of great value to every
man and woman living, is the growth
in the knowledge of God, and in a
testimony, and in the power to live
the Gospel and to inspire our fam-
ilies to do the same."
and go to St. George. When asked
the reason for this unusual procedure
he replied that he did not know the
reason, but that the journey was to be
made.
Arriving at St. George, in the course
of the conference meetings, the spirit of
prophecy undoubtedly came upon the
venerable president, then eighty-five
years old. He told the people that
much of the difficulty in which they
found themselves came upon them be-
cause they had forgotten the Lord. He
promised them that if they would pay
an honest tithing, that the drought that
was then distressing them sorely and
other difficulties they had encountered
would be overcome and that they
would prosper.
The purpose of the visit had been
made clear. The people accepted the
counsel. As the party journeyed north-
ward to Salt Lake City, special meet-
ings were held along the way and the
new message on tithing was presented.
Arriving home, a solemn assembly was
called in the Salt Lake Temple. Lead-
ers from all parts of the Church were
called to attend. From that assembly
the word went out. It was carried to
every part of the Church.
The tide turned. In a few years,
the debts of the Church had been
paid and its credit reestablished. Tith-
ing scrip was called in and redeemed.
The Church grew more rapidly than
ever before and the people were pros-
pered beyond their fondest hopes.
What has happened since that time is
too recent history and is too well
known to record here.
What happened to the Church — its
redemption from financial bondage —
also happened to those members of the
Church who followed the advice of
the leaders. The St. George country
received the moisture as was promised,
and all over the Church the "windows
of heaven" were opened and the peo-
ple were blessed.
More recently the promise of the
Lord to bless those who obey his law
has been put to the test. Testimonies
from practically all the missions and
stakes of the Church are to the effect
that during the depression, as a rule,
tithepayers were last to lose their em-
ployment and many continued working
without interruption. Bishops reported
that very few tithepayers were com-
pelled to seek government employment
or relief, and then only because or very
unusual circumstances.
The Lord has blessed His people ac-
cording to His promises and will con-
tinue to do so. Unfortunately there are
many who need and desire these bless-
ings who are apparently not yet pre-
pared to obey the commandment, thus
putting themselves in line for the bless-
ings. And so, during the centennial year
of tithing in the Church, an effort is to
be made to carry this message to every
member of the Church with encourage-
ment to all members to comply with the
law to the end, that both they and the
Church shall be blessed.
207
Beckoning
roads
A NEW NOVEL OF OUR GENERATION, OUR
PEOPLE, OUR PROBLEMS, OUR YOUTH —
WITH LIFE BECKONING FORWARD— AND ECONOMIC
INSECURITY STRIVING TO HOLD IT BACK. . . .
By DOROTHY CLAPP ROBINSON
THE STORY THUS FAR: Nancy
Porter and Peter Holverson, two
marriageable and very-much-in-love young
people iof a rural Mormon community,
found themselves anticipating "their
spring" — the spring in which they, with
others of their friends, had decided to go
to the Temple to be married at June
Conference time. But seemingly poor ag-
ricultural prospects and accumulated debt
caused Peter, a high-principled and cau-
tious young man, to postpone the marriage
until better times." Questioning his mo-
tives and his wisdom, and in the anger
of her disappointment, Nancy impulsively
served notice on her betrothed that the
"postponement" would be permanent and
the "engagement was off." The embar-
rassment was intensified by the fact that
two couples of "their crowd," Mark and
Phyllis, and Lynn and Vera, who were
apparently less economically prepared for
marriage, decided to go through with their
plans notwithstanding. And so these two
parted, with hopes postponed — or aban-
doned. Living in a discouraged home with
a chronically and seriously ill father, dis-
couraged younger brothers, and a work-
worn mother, who held tenaciously to prin-
ciples and ideals, Nancy became rebellious
and determined to better her situation.
Through a chain of favorable circumstances,
she finally secured a temporary job as
commissary -keeper of a huge ranching op-
eration in a nearby section of the country.
Reid Wood, young, impatient, city-bred
son of the ranch owner-operator, was call-
ing to take her to her new job in the
morning —
CHAPTER THREE
"WELL, YOU'RE BACK! . . .
YOU'VE DONE REAL GOOD
THIS TIME. ONLY TWENTY-
FOUR HOURS LATE. MAYBE
YOU'LL BE WORTH SHOOTING
AFTER AWHILE IF YOU KEEP
IT UP."
I
,T WAS a little past four
o'clock the next morning when the
big car rolled up and stopped at the
Porter gate. The driver slid from
his seat and came whistling toward
the house. Dale, on his way to the
corral, stopped. Young Wood sa-
luted him with a gay wave of his
hand. A torpid morning was inch-
ing away the cool shadows. Mrs.
Porter opened the door to him.
"I will wait here," he said. "Can
I take her things?"
A rather shabby suitcase was
handed to him. Nancy, coming from
the boys' bedroom where she had
208
been telling them goodbye, stopped
by her father. He was standing just
inside the door.
"Be a good girl," he said as he
kissed her. "And while you are
there be a girl. I don't like you in
overalls."
"You will let me know about fa-
ther?" she whispered to her mother
when they were outside.
"Of course."
"And don't work outside, moth-
er. Let the boys do it."
"I'll see that she doesn't."
Nancy whirled. Behind them
stood Pete. "You here?"
"Certainly. Think I'd let you go
without saying goodbye?"
His face looked drawn as if he
hadn't slept well. More likely the
light, Nancy decided. He walked
with her to the car. Mr. Wood was
holding the door open for her. Pete
stepped up to it. The men's glances
met. With a gesture of retraction,
Wood withdrew to his own side.
A sudden violent irritation rushed
over Nancy. Why had Pete come?
Didn't he believe what she had told
him? If he had believed her he
showed no signs of it, for his every
move suggested a challenge to the
other man. He closed the door.
"Be seeing you," he began, but
with a swift start the car was al-
ready on its way. Dust rolled in
clouds behind it, shutting from
sight the shabby little house with
its group of shabby, watching peo-
ple. Nancy's throat ached with the
wild unbelievable ecstasy of hopes
come true. She had work. She was
on her way,— racing over a road
that for so long had beckoned and
called. She was not going far along
it just now, but the journey was
begun. Never, never would she
again go back to life as she had
known it. Never would she go back
to drought and poverty and — and
Pete.
■1 HE clouds of the night
before had disappeared and already
they could feel the promise of an-
other hot day. Hot, and the first
of May! The earth cried out for
rain and the need of it flared in their
nostrils and smothered the morning
freshness.
"Some dust."
Nancy turned to look at her com-
panion. Some dust. What species of
male could say it as casually as that?
The men she knew watched the
dust, some hoping secretly, some
praying, some cursing. This man
merely said: "Some dust."
"Will there ever be anything
else?"
He was driving unreasonably fast
but with a sure touch. He slowed
perceptibly and looked at her.
"Is that important?"
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
What was it leaped suddenly be-
fore her? Hopes, undreamed? Per-
haps, and the unfamiliar outlines of
them dazzled the eyes of her mind
and set her blood coursing riotously
through her veins.
"Yes," she said, laughing in pure
re-lease, "but not so important as
it once was. I have work."
Again he looked at her. "You
are a queer little kid. One would
think your life depended on work."
"More than life."
"For instance?"
"Freedom."
The boy doubled over the wheel
in a gale of infectious laughter.
"Can you tie that? You run to the
ranch for freedom and I rush from
it for the same reason."
"From it? Don't you live there?"
"Occasionally. Got restless and
skipped the last quarter of school
this year. Quite surprised myself
that I came back here so willingly."
"Why should you be restless?"
"You guess — and tell me."
"I couldn't possibly. But when I
am safely out of the valley of the
Big Smokey I shall never come back,
worlds without end." A bitterness
gave her words emphasis.
"What about the boy friend?"
"Pete? He isn't, any more." The
instant the words left her lips she
felt half-ashamed. Not but what it
was true, but spoken aloud it sound-
ed disloyal to something. Again the
boy, he was younger than Pete,
glanced sharply at her.
"So that is why you crave free-
dom. I should say he had failed en-
tirely to get your point of view.
Perhaps we can insist on Chris' tak-
ing a prolonged vacation so you
will not have to return until your
desire for freedom has, shall we
say, been satisfied."
"If you mean by that when our
quarrel is patched up, and I am
ready to forgive and be forgiven,—
well, you just don't know me."
Again he laughed. Later he re-
marked: "My trouble might have
something of yours in it. Less def-
inite, I'd say, and not so easily rem-
edied."
They were entering town where
early risers were just emerging into
the streets. Passed town and east
and south rounded a shoulder of
the mountains. From there they
turned north and followed rather
high along the slope of the range.
In time they entered another valley,
the Little Smokey. It lay in the
shape of a triangle that narrowed
at the north until the two lines of
mountains ran into each other. Up
there were glimpses of tree skele-
tons puncturing the sky. Here, all
about them, except high on the hills
at their left, were dry stretches of
sage. After following the hills for
twelve or fifteen miles they left the
highway and turned due east into
the brush. The road was soft and
full of ruts. Dust curtained their
vision but the speed of the car never
slackened. Once Nancy was thrown
violently against the driver.
"Hold on," he cautioned. "The
only way to get over these lousy
roads is to hit the high places."
And hitting the high places they
sped across the sage-covered flat
toward the brown hills in the dis-
tance. Nancy had only a vague idea
of the miles covered. It seemed much
shorter than when she had been
here before. Ahead, lined against
the bare mountains, was a row of
trees running north and south; back
of them were stretches of fields be-
ginning to show green. Among the
sage at their right they saw the
woolly backs of sheep.
"Herds are moving in," the boy
said.
INearer, and now they
were in the shadow of the east
mountain. The sun had not yet risen
on the big ranch. Through the line
of trees Nancy caught sight of
buildings, sheds, barns, corrals.
Standing apart from the other build-
ings was a large house, the lower
part of which was of lava stone, the
upper of logs. It had wide friendly
eaves that reached toward the roof
of a porch that guarded the front.
Between the road and the house
was a lawn on which the poorly cut
grass of last year was struggling
with a new growth. Trees and
shrubs, still showing the vision of
an artist, flanked the whole. Now
that she was to be part of it, the
ranch seemed to Nancy as a part
of another world.
"And you would run away from
here."
"Like it?" Pride struggled with
indifference.
"It is a paradise. How could you
be discontented with it?"
"How would I know? I only know
that at times it is a prison with the
grimmest of walls. Then I go hay-
wire."
She glanced slowly about, draw-
ing into her lungs the freshly cool
morning air. Much cooler here, she
thought, than at home.
"That is the way I have felt
lately. I thought I would go mad
seeing nothing but sage, smelling
nothing but dust, hearing nothing
but discouragement. I could live
here forever."
They entered a wide driveway to
the north of the house, then as the
driver would have turned to the
front entrance there came a shout
from the blacksmith shop at their
left. The car stopped.
"That's Dad."
Nancy turned her eyes reluctant-
ly from the house. From the build-
ing came a large, raw-boned man
with a curious side-swinging walk.
As he approached, the driver open-
ed the door of the car.
"Hi, Dad." There was an under-
tone of irritation to his voice that
widened the girl's eyes.
"Well, you're back." Nancy no-
ticed a swift darkening of the son's
features. "You've done real good
this time. Only twenty-four hours
late. Maybe you'll be worth shoot-
ing after a while if you keep it up.
Is this the young lady that is going
to help me?" He reached his hand
across the steering wheel and the
girl placed hers in it. "Well, glad
you are here. Hope you'll be worth
what I have to pay you. Never saw
a girl yet that was," This last with-
out changing the tenor of his voice.
Nancy's face flushed.
"Your price couldn't bring much,"
she retorted quickly, "but I shall
see you do not overpay me."
"Well, you will earn all you get.
Things are in a sweet mess around
here. The cook will give you some
breakfast. I'll be up pretty soon to
talk things over." He turned to his
son. "You, Reid, did you get the
things I ordered?" His voice sharp-
ened.
"Don't think I forgot more than
half." He released the clutch and
the car crept forward.
Reid. She had been wondering
about his name. He was like his fa-
ther, though slighter in build and
darker in coloring. When he was
his father's age his hair, too, might
be bleached and his eyes faded.
Following the herds did that to one.
But the father's face was determin-
ed and full of purpose and the son's,
just now, was drawn into lines of
rebellious irritation.
He took her bag from the car
and they went to the front door. It
was locked. Reid turned impatiently
toward the back.
"Just an old sheepherder's cus-
tom," he remarked facetiously.
"Front doors around here are to be
seen, not used. Wait a moment,
please."
"Let me go with you." She fol-
lowed him to the back of the house
(Continued on page 246)
209
SomsL Shdi&ikcdL QompWtUjwiA. on,—
By
DR. DILWORTH
WALKER
Professor of Economics
University of Utah
MUCH has been written about
the beneficial effects of tem-
perate living, and consider-
able scientific data have accumu-
lated sustaining many of the claims,
but few attempts have been made
to verify the results statistically. Be-
lieving that such an analysis would
prove both interesting and enlight-
ening to those who are engaged in
the advancement of human welfare,
and at the suggestion of Dr. John
A. Widtsoe, the writer undertook
the fascinating task of interpreting
the official vital statistics compiled
by the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints since 19141
For over one hundred years the
Mormon people have lived under a
religious philosophy which enters
every field of human thought and
action, and which is said to fortify
its adherents against the mental,
physical, and spiritual stresses of
life. Among other things, the Mor-
mon way of life includes a health
code known as the Word of Wis-
dom. This rule of temperate living
was given "not by commandment or
constraint, but by revelation and
the word of wisdom ... in the
temporal salvation of all saints in
the last days,"2 advising against the
use of tobacco, liquor, and all strong
drinks, against excessive use of meat,
urging abundant use of fresh fruits
and vegetables in the season thereof,
1'At the beginning of each year the
bishops of the wards of the Church, more
than one thousand in number, assemble the
vital data pertaining to the groups of peo-
ple placed in their care, and forward these
to the Presiding Bishop's Office in Salt
Lake City for recording and collating.
In the majority of the wards the population
is under one thousand. The bishop and
his two counselors, with the ward clerk,
are usually personally familiar with every
family. There is no great likelihood of
error, especially as the bishop checks his
findings with the physicians' certificates sent
in to the state. Moreover, the consistency
of the reports from year to year indicates
their reliability. They are probably fully
as reliable as those gathered by the State.'
From The Word of Wisdom — A Modern
Interpretation, by Dr. John A. Widtsoe and
Leah D. Widtsoe, page 236.
2Doctrine and Covenants, Section 89.
210
MORMONS
AND
THE UNITED STATES
AS A WHOLE
PJealing with death rate trends from various causes, using
United States Census and Mormon Church statistics,
1914 to 1934.
fiO
RHEUMATISM
■so
40
i*-
V
u.$
in
?n
»•<
•''
*%,
»«•■
*►«.
••
/
\
^*
V
y
»«»
.../ \S
\
*•
,''
L.D.
S.
10
19
14
19
6
19
&
19
20
19.
?2
19 =
'4
19.
>6
1928
1930
1932
1934
120
CANCER
100
o
o
US
O 80
o
1-4
u
9
ft 60
n
•3
2 4°
—4
^ra:
4
N
**
20
*»•'
s
^*
*«%
^*
■*•
„,«*'
L.D.
s.
0
19
4
19
16
19
a
19
20
19
22
19
24
19
26
19.
?a
19
30
19
92
19
34
■>,•=,
DIABE1
rEs
■^o
?"i
u.s
.
?n
(5
»am
*~
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/
/
k
.*
*»,
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4k
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s.
*•«*
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^
-^^
^^j
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m+
*m*K
N
„^'
0
1914 1916 1916 1920 1922 1924 1926 1926 1930 1932 1934
Drawn by Reid Maughan. Source: U. S. Census— Mormon Church, 1914-1934.
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
THE statistical data from which
these charts and tables have
been compiled are taken from United
States census records and from here-
tofore unpublished records which
have been accumulating since 1914
in the Presiding Bishop's Office of
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-
day Saints. Dr. Dilworth Walker
was assisted in the compilation,
analysis, and preparation of this illu-
minating and conservative report by
the following young men: Albert
Barlow, Thomas B. Doxey, Norman
Loosli, Reed Maughan, Vernon Ras-
mussen, LeRoy Steele, De Von Y.
Stewart, Dilworth H. Walker, Jr.,
George L. Nichols, and Edward L.
Hart.
and moderation in all things that af-
fect the health of mind and body.
To be sure, not all of the Church
membership have observed these
"words of wisdom" rigorously, nor
have all of the Saints who have ab-
stained from the use of tobacco and
strong drinks always been wise or
moderate in the observance of other
principles. However, there has un-
doubtedly been a sufficiently large
number of the Church membership
who have lived substantially accord-
ing to the Word of Wisdom tenets
and the other principles of Gospel
philosophy to justify a comparison
of the results of such a mode of liv-
DEATHS PER
II
300
250
200
)0,000
RESPIRATORY
DISEASES
|*-l
.s.
•
It
A
ft
'9
§
11
<
^
» «»a
1
150
inn
k*».
t
«
»
<
0
V^
4
^
.*'
L.D.S
4
. — >
,-*
IUU
50
0
<
r-
1!
114
n
116
19
18
19
20
IS
22
19
24
IS
26
19
28
19
30
19
32
1934
300
250
CIRCULATORY
DISEASES
us.
-^^
200
150
100
50
0
"■* ■">* a
^s.<f
l.d.:
^
-.
.-<
***
**«■
N,
/
••
• •a
^*
**«
>••
••■
**«
••»
• •*•
f
IS
114
19
16
19
18
19
20
19
22
19
24
19
26
19
28
19
30
19
32
1934
150
125
100
DIGESTIVE
DISEASES
k^-U.S.
„*-
mm'
75
50
25
0
'V-L.D.S
%
%
^
**•
>■»■»
*•»,
»**
'"* *1
**.
»«■>*
*»*j
.**
■»*
++
s
—
19
14
19
6
19
8
19
20
19
12
19
24
is;
>6
191
»8
19
30
19
32
1934
ing in so far as the statistics are com-
parable and reliable.
Fortunately the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints has used
the same International Classification
of diseases and other causes of death
since 1914 as the United States
Census uses; hence the death rates
for the various diseases should be
comparable where the records are
complete and the causes of death
properly reported. Of course, all
vital statistics contain a certain
amount of error due to improper re-
porting by attending physicians, hos-
pital clerks, etc., particularly in the
earlier years. Only in recent years,
so the medical profession asserts,3
are the vital statistics dependable.
But since the United States
Census figures are subject to the
same type of unreliability as the L.
D. S. statistics, at least the major
differences and general trends
should be reasonably significant.
As a further precaution in the in-
terpretation of such comparisons and
trends, the reader should ever keep
in mind that the immediate cause of
death may not be the most important
factor in bringing about an early
funeral. Premature death may be
traced to a number of factors includ-
ing inheritance, excessive worry,
overwork, overexposure, unfavor-
able climate, and other environment-
al conditions not mentioned in the
official report of the attending physi-
cians. All conclusions, therefore,
based on the comparisons given in
the accompanying charts and tables,
are limited by the complexity of the
cause and effect relationship and by
the comparability and reliability of
both the United States Census and
Mormon Church vital statistics re-
ports.
As a working hypothesis, the
writer assumed that if proper health
habits were worth while, they should
make the observers of such a health
code ( 1 ) more resistant to certain
diseases where health resistance is
possible, and (2) less susceptible
to the degenerative diseases of mid-
dle life resulting in premature death.
In other words, if this hypothesis
be correct, and if the observance of
the Word of Wisdom and temperate
living in general be worth while,
then the death rate among the Mor-
mons should be:
(1) Lower than the average for the
United States for certain infectious or com-
municable diseases where a healthy body
has been proved to be a determining factor.
( 2 ) About the same as the United States
average where exposure to the germ is the
all-determining cause regardless of health
vigor.
Drawn by Dilworth H. Walker, Jr. Source: U. S. Census — Mormon Church, 1914-1934.
3Dr. Orin A. Ogilvie, University of Utah.
211
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
(3) Lower than the United States aver-
age for the degenerative diseases character-
istic of middle age; and
(4) Higher than the United States aver-
age for senility, indicating a larger pro-
portion of the group living a full life to
die of old age from natural causes.
To aid the reader in verifying the
above hypothesis, the accompanying
charts have been prepared to show
the comparative death rates for cer-
tain specific diseases and for certain
related disease groups for the L. D.
S. members and for the United
States average of the registration
states.
Strangely enough, the statistics
reported, with their reliability limi-
tations, do verify the requirement of
the hypothesis. First, the infectious
diseases as a group show a predomi-
nantly lower death rate for the Lat-
ter-day Saints than for the average
of the United States. Deaths due
to influenza, on the other hand, do
not show the same favorable com-
parison for the Mormons since it is
believed by medical authorities4 that
exposure to the germ is the all-de-
termining cause regardless of health
vigor. True, some of the other in-
fectious diseases such as typhoid
and scarlet fever are also largely a
matter of exposure versus natural
resistance. But even though proper
living may not make one less sus-
ceptible to these infectious diseases,
if one is thoroughly exposed, still a
clean, healthy individual may not
succumb so easily to the disease as
the one whose physical machine has
been impaired by improper living or
other causes. In other words, the
lower death rate among the Latter-
day Saints due to infectious diseases
points to a greater survival from
these infectious diseases, either due
to a lower incidence of communi-
cable diseases, to a greater inheri-
tance of physical vigor, or to a
stronger recovery power as a result
of better previous living habits.
HThe comparison between the death
rates of Latter-day Saints and
the United States average for the
social diseases ( syphilis, gonorrhoea,
and other venereal diseases) is the
most striking of all, and since these
diseases are purely a matter of ex-
posure, the evidence in favor of bet-
ter living habits, provided the rec-
ords are complete,5 appears to be
overwhelmingly favorable. But, of
4Dr. Orin A. Ogilvie, University of Utah.
Statistics of social diseases are probably
less reliable, both for the Latter-day Saints
and the United States, than for most other
diseases, due to the hesitancy of officials to
report such diseases.
212
course, these comparisons apply
only to deaths from social diseases
and not to the relative prevalence of
the disease itself. And since
venereal diseases are more prevalent
among the young people, the lower
death rate among the Mormons is
really complimentary to the older
generation that are just passing,
rather than to the present genera-
tion. Consequently, there is a real
challenge here for the youth of to-
day to produce as favorable a record
of clean living as these charts por-
tray for their parents and grand-
parents.
Unfortunately, recent statistics on
social diseases compiled by the Utah
DEATHS PER
9
State Board of Health indicate an
appreciable increase in the number
of new cases being treated by physi-
cians throughout the state. There-
fore, while the record of the past
appears to be most complimentary
for the older Latter-day Saint peo-
ple, the record of the future may not
show up so favorably unless the
present and future generations abide
by the high standards of their
Church regarding moral conduct
and temperate health habits.
The comparative death rates for
the various degenerative diseases,
both for specific diseases and by
groups, also show a surprising con-
sistency in favor of the Latter-day
1 00,
J00
HO
SUICIDE
: BYTIREAR
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1918
1920
1922
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1928
1930
1932 1934
ALCOHOLISM
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1914 1916 1918 1920 1922 1924 1926 1928 1930 1932 1934
APPENDICITIS
30
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0
1914
1916
1918
1920
1922
1924 1926
1928
1930
1932 1934,
Drawn by Dilworth H. Walker, Jr., and Reid Maughan. Source: U. S. Census — Mormon Church,
1914-1934.
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
Saint people. The death rate due
to cancer, diabetes, rheumatism, and
alcoholism are all considerably be-
low the average for the United
States. Since most of the diseases
of the circulatory system, many of
the diseases of the genitourinary
system, and some of the diseases of
the digestive system are of the de-
generative type incident to middle
age, they bear a direct relation to
the health habits of the individuals
concerned.
For example, if two groups of
people of equal physical inheritance
and living under similar environ-
mental conditions should observe
widely different health habits, ob-
viously the group following estab-
lished rules of health should be ex-
pected to weather the disease storms
of early infancy and middle age bet-
ter than the group more careless and
indifferent to proper care of the
body. Consequently, if the Mormon
people as a group have conscien-
tiously observed known rules of
health more rigorously than the gen-
eral average of American people,
the death rate due to degenerative
diseases incident to middle age
should be lower than the general
United States average. Likewise,
the death rate among the Latter-
day Saint people should be higher
due to senility, or to causes incident
to old age,
A gain the comparative statistics as
shown in the accompanying
charts are most convincing on this
point in favor of temperate living
through observance of the Word
of Wisdom and other Mormon prin-
ciples, as exemplified in the lives of
the Latter-day Saint people.
However, there still may be a
question in the minds of some per-
sons regarding the comparability of
such statistics due to the possibility
of age differences among the Latter-
day Saints and the United States
average. That is, if the percentage
of young people were appreciably
greater among the Mormons than
the average for the registration
states making up the census data,
then the difference in death rate due
to these degenerative diseases inci-
dent to middle age or older, might
have little or no significance.
To test this possibility an attempt
was made to segregate the death
rates by age groups for both the
Mormon and the United States
Census statistics. Comparable data
were not available for specific dis-
eases nor for exactly the same years
on total death rates, but the follow-
ing table was prepared giving death
rate comparisons for L. D. S. mem-
bers living in Utah by age groups
for the years 1933, 1934, 1935,
and 1936, and a similar classification
of death rates for all of Utah and
the United States registration states
for the census year 1930. Further-
more, the L. D. S. death rates by
age groups were computed by using
the census age distribution for Utah,
assuming that the age distribution
for the Mormon people would be
approximately the same as the entire
population of the state, since the
Latter-day Saint people make up
more than fifty per cent of the Utah
population.
DEATHS PER
DEATH RATE COMPARISONS
L. D. S.
Members
and United States
Average
Age U
nited States Utah
Utah L. D. S/
Groups
(1930)
(1930)
(1933-36)
All ages
11.3
9.8
8.4
Under 5
12.7
14.2
11.5
5-9
1.9
2.2
1.8
10-14
1.5
2.2
2.0
15-24
3.4
3.5
3.0
25-44
5.8
5.4
3.8
45-64
18.4
16.6
11.5
65-74
52.9
48.4
65-84
67.4
75 and over 127.3
129.4
Source:
L. D. S.
Church
records and
U. S. Census, 1930.
"Compilations from "Death Rates Among
the Latter-day Saints" by Bishop John
Wells, Dr. Francis W. Kirkham, and
Goldie Haun.
100,000
GENITOURINARY DISEASES
IbU
125
-o.s.
too
75
•
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25
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19
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19
6
19
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19
20
19
22
19
24
1926
1928
1930
1932
193
CHILDBIRTH AND PREGNANCY
t!4
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19
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192
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32
193-
SENILITY (OLD AGE)
120
100
80-
60-
40
20
0
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wm*
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26
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28
19
30
19
32
1934
Drawn by Dilworth H. Walker, Jr. Source: U. S. Census— Mormon Church, 1914-1934.
213
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
Admittedly, the data are not
strictly comparable or as statistically
accurate as we should like. How-
ever, the extreme variance in the
death rates in the age group from
25 to 64 years, between the Latter-
day Saint and the U. S. average, or
even the Utah average, is so strik-
ing and in such complete harmony
with the other comparisons shown
in the charts that one cannot help
being impressed with the similarity
of the inferences suggested through-
out all the data analysed.
Thus, when the death rate for
practically all of the degenerative
diseases runs consistently lower for
the Latter-day Saint people than
for the United States average group,
and when the total death rate for
the age groups of middle life indi-
cates the same differential in favor
of the L. D. S. group, the statistical
evidence appears to be definitely sig-
nificant in favor of the group ob-
serving a more strict health code and
living according to a more temperate
pattern generally.
Of course, there is still the possi-
bility that the differences in death
rate among the Latter-day Saint
people and the United States group
may be due to differences in inheri-
tance of physical vigor, due to dif-
ferences in sanitation, medical treat-
ment, a more healthful climate, and
other geographical or environmental
factors. If such be the case, then
the Mormon people should be grate-
ful for their inheritance, for their
progressive leadership in promoting
more healthful living conditions, or
in being privileged to live in a more
healthful environment.
Or, perhaps a combination of all
the above factors including the ob-
servance of the Word of Wisdom
and other temperate habits, and the
entire Mormon philosophy of life,
are needed to explain the favorable
comparisons found in the official re-
ports of the United States census
and the Mormon Church records.
In any event, the death rate com-
parisons are so strikingly different
in the social diseases, in alcoholism,
and in most of the degenerative dis-
eases associated with physical vigor
and proper living, that the evidence
in favor of the Latter-day Saint
standards of morality, temperance,
and clean living — in so far as the
statistics are comparable and re-
liable— are most convincing. And
even in some of the infectious dis-
eases, the statistics lean heavily in
support of the advantages of proper
living habits, superior inheritance,
or a more healthful environment as
important factors in resisting the
possibilities of fatality should one
become exposed to the particular
germ.
The writer has not attempted to
explain the differential death rate
among the Latter-day Saint people
and the United States average for
all of the diseases. In some cases,
like appendicitis, where the Mormon
death rate is comparatively high, the
medical authorities are not agreed
upon the explanation.
To attempt to explain all such
differences would be an endless if
not an impossible task. The an-
alysis, therefore, has been confined
to a treatment of the more obvious
and significant comparisons affecting
the benefits that are claimed for the
proper observance of L. D. S. stan-
dards of health habits and Word
of Wisdom tenets and the Mormon
way of living generally.
Note: Further graphs, charts,
and interpretive comment on L. D. S.
statistics will appear in early issues
of The Improvement Era.
360
3O0
240
leo
I20-
60
INF
LUENZA
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1932 \'&4
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I
NFECT
OUS DISEAS
E1S
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14
>S.
SOCIAL DISEASES
2sk^
LP.
[914 1916 1918 1920 1922 1924 1926 1928 1930 1932
Drawn by Reid Maughan. Source: U. S. Census — Mormon Church, 1914-1934.
1934
214
ft
,nne could tell that
something unusual was up from the
very way Marjorie came up the
walk. There was an added eager-
ness in her step and an air of spright-
liness about her that was noticeable
even to Marjorie.
She sat upright in the porch swing
where she had been reclining during
the lazy summer afternoon and wait-
ed expectantly until Marjorie had
flung herself into the nearest chinz-
covered rocker.
"What's the news?" she asked
while Marjorie caught her breath.
"A new dress or a trip to the moun-
tains?"
"Neither," Marjorie answered,
smiling, "although I am still hope-
ful of both in due time. But some-
thing else perfectly elegant has hap-
pened. You remember Ted's telling
us about Warner Lloyd, that college
friend of his from the city who was
coming down? Well, he's come, and
talk about class — he's tall, hand-
some, and looks like a walking ad."
Marjorie paused in order that Anne
might fully realize the splendor that
had come into their midst.
"That's all very exciting," Anne
answered. "A college boy from the
city is bound to make a big ripple in
the village but it probably won't
make any difference in my young
life. The chances are that I shall
only be privileged to admire him
from the wrong side of the street."
"That's where you're mistaken,"
Marjorie cried jubilantly. "We've
arranged a party for tonight and
you're coming."
Anne's interest perked up imme-
diately. "Hm, now that sounds like
something. Where's the party and
who's going?"
"You and I, Hope Dalton and
Larry Murch besides Ted and his
guest, and we're going out to the
Blue Moon."
"Oh — that place." The interest
in Anne's voice took a sudden drop.
A
GOOD
SPORT
A SHORT
SHORT STORY
BY
FLORENCE
STRONG
"I don't see why you have to say
it in that tone of voice," Marjorie
instantly challenged. "It's the only
place in the country about here
where they have decent music.
After all, we can't very well take
him for a hayrack ride, you know."
"No, I don't suppose you could,"
Anne agreed slowly, "but I don't
exactly like to mingle with the class
of people who go out there. I un-
derstand there's a good deal of
drinking."
"What if there is? We don't
have to mix with anyone except our
own crowd. Come on Anne, be a
good sport. Any other girl in town
would jump at the chance to go."
"I suppose you're right," Anne
answered, still dubious. "But I do
wish you had chosen some other
place."
"Nonsense." Marjorie's small
nose went up in the air. "There
isn't any other place unless we go
to the drug store and eat ice cream
and twirl around on the stools for
excitement. What shall we wear?"
she continued, evidently considering
the other matter entirely closed.
Anne decided that, after all, there
was probably no reason for making
a fuss. She knew very little about
the Blue Moon. Perhaps they
would find very much the same
crowd as attended any of the town
dances. She began to be thrilled
and excited over the prospect of the
evening's entertainment and after
Marjorie had gone she went upstairs
to decide whether she should wear
her rose-colored crepe sport suit or
the new white knit that had come
for her birthday.
She eventually decided on the
rose crepe— it was so becoming with
her dark hair. She dressed with a
great deal of care and by the time
the car load of laughing young peo-
ple had arrived she felt that she
could easily meet any standards that
the young visitor from the city might
have.
1 introductions over, she
climbed into the car and they sped
away through the exhilarating cool-
ness of the evening. Her last doubts
slipped away as they drove along
the state highway. After all, this
was only Marjorie and Hope and
Ted, and the youngsters she had
gone around with all of her life.
Even if they were going to a road-
nouse there couldn't be any real
harm in it. Possibly Marge was right
and she hadn't been a very good
sport in the past. Maybe she was
inclined to grow old before her time.
She glanced back at Warner Lloyd.
He was so fine looking and clean cut.
She did hope that she could make
a good impression on him. Any
girl would want to.
When they reached their destina-
tion they parked their car and went
in the doorway under the huge neon
crescent moon that gave the place
its name. The interior was rather
dimly lighted and the air did not
smell any too fresh. The small
doubts that Anne had so recently
tifled began to arise within he
again.
(Continued on page 242)
215
A CHALLENGE TO THE
CHURCH IN THE NEWS
From 1830 to 1938 is a long jump
in more than a period of time.
It represents a broad jump in
the changed attitude of the press
towards the Latter-day Saints.
Throughout the nations favorable
reports have appeared so frequently
that at the present time, the eyes
and ears of the world are turned to-
ward us. Eagerly all countries await
the stories of our success in the
handling of our multiple problems.
The worth of the Word of Wis-
dom has received wide recognition.
In the Health Digest of October,
1936, appeared an article titled,
"The Mormons and their Health
Problems." This had previously ap-
peared in the Horizon of New York
City, New York. The article begins
in the following stimulating manner:
Do you want to know about the great-
est experiment in correct eating and cor-
rect living ever conducted? Would you
be interested in learning the results of
feeding experiments made over a period
of more than a hundred years and utilizing
hundreds of thousands of human beings?
The conclusion also stirs:
In the experience of the Mormons we
have all the essentials of a perfect experi-
ment. We have, first, the premises, that
healthful food means healthy bodies; sec-
ond, the subjects — thousands of people who
have followed the premise as stated in the
Word of Wisdom. And, best of all, we
have clear-cut results — comparative vital
statistics, figures which don't lie!
In the February 1938 issue of the
Reader's Digest, "A Step Toward A
Livelier Old Age," by Ray Giles,
also gives a tribute to the same Lat-
ter-day Saint principle. In this ar-
ticle Mr. Giles quotes from Profes-
sor Irving Fisher, Yale Professor
Emeritus of Economics, who pays
tribute to the Prophet Joseph Smith.
The world at large has been elec-
trified recently by the announce-
ment of the Church that Latter-day
Saints should seek every opportun-
ity to get off relief . In News-Week
of May 22, 1937, more than a two-
page spread appeared, showing the
work of the men and women in their
effort to care for themselves and
the worthy poor through the Church
Security program. In this article
there appeared several misstate-
ments which the News-Week of
July 10, 1937, permitted to be an-
swered by Latter-day Saints, includ-
ing one letter which was submitted to
them by Reed Smoot, former United
States Senator, and George Albert
Smith, both of the Council of the
Twelve. Part of the Editorial Note
on the same page reads: "News-
Week's aim is to report fact, not
opinion. . . . News-Week regrets
that it relied upon accounts of Jo-
seph Smith which were written by
historians whose bias is open to
question." This note in itself is an
indication of the desire to be fair
which is largely permeating the pub-
lications of the day.
In The Nation for February 12,
1938, although Martha Emery, the
author of "Mormon Security," says
that as a Church we have not meas-
ured to our opportunities in the se-
curity program, she feels that we
are to be complimented for: "The
only project organized solely to free
Americans from the burden of gov-
ernment relief, and advertised as
such, has been the Mormon Secur-
ity plan." At the close of her ar-
ticle she rightly challenges us by
saying, "Mormons have been pre-
paring for the day of want. The day
of want is upon them." In his book,
Careers After Forty, Walter B. Pit-
kin commends the Latter-day Saints
for their stand in uniting to fight
the dole.
On September 4, 1937, The Sat-
urday Evening Post ran a complete
article on the Church Security pro-
gram called "Pioneers, 1937," and
written by Charles Morrow Wilson.
This article, based on Mr. Wilson's
own observations while he lived
among the Latter-day Saints for ap-
proximately six weeks, offers a stim-
ulating rallying call:
Superficially, this present-day pioneering
is not particularly dramatic. But the peo-
ple of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young
still plod forward to take subsistence from
the land. ... It is essentially the same
hard way. Some falter. Some will fail.
But many are winning by way of stubborn
labor.
Life in its January 3, 1938, issue
f§§S
eNATlONAL
APH1C
AGAZ1N
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
LXlX.Nc
publishes two pages of illustrations
dealing with the projects. In addi-
tion a full page reproduction of a
picture of President Heber J. Grant
appears and a full page introducing
Presidents J. Reuben Clark, Jr., and
David O. McKay; Rudger Clawson,
Reed Smoot, Melvin J. Ballard and
Dr. John A. Widtsoe of the Quo-
rum of the Twelve; Presiding Bish-
op Sylvester Q. Cannon, and Man-
aging Director of the Church Se-
curity program, Harold B. Lee.
From the pages of The Digest
of both August 7, 1937, and of Jan-
uary 15, 1938, come articles which
deal with the Church Security pro-
gram.
Articles appearing in various
magazines deal with others of
our practices and accomplishments.
In The Commonweal of September
3, 1937, Paul Sullivan writes an ar-
ticle called, "The Mormon Way of
Doing Things." In it he explains
somewhat the Latter-day Saint
method of giving religious instruc-
tion to its young people. He of
course is not cognizant of our plan
in its entirety and does not know
that it extends beyond the boun-
daries of Utah, for our Church sem-
inary and institute system now in-
cludes institutions in California,
Arizona, Idaho, and Wyoming, as
well as in Utah. However, his ap-
proach is distinctly sympathetic and
understanding, and he pays the Lat-
ter-day Saints some marked compli-
ments. In the article he states:
Emphatically, they do not thrive on fa-
naticism. If anyone disbelieves this, let
him live among them for a quarter of a
century as I have. . . I have written this pa-
per with a view to interest rather than as
WASHlNGiuiN
a suggested method of coping with the
burning question of complete secularization
of public schools in the United States. I
also wanted to deny that fanaticism abounds
in the valley made verdant by the irriga-
tion genius of the early Mormon leader,
Brigham Young. If those who are still
unconvinced could see nearly 100 seminary
buildings scattered over the 85,000 square
miles of Utah, they would not long remain
unconvinced.
In Time for October 4, 1937, ap-
pears an article called "Mormons,
Money, Missions." In this article,
tribute is paid to the Church Secur-
ity plan and special mention is
made of the special fast day which
was held in Salt Lake City last Sep-
tember to raise additional money.
Then the attention of the article
was turned particularly to our new
mission, the New England, and a
discussion of our missionary service
which concludes in the following
manner:
Once convinced by a missionary that
'silly tales' about Mormon have been 'fully
disproved,' a prospect is likely to be im-
pressed by Mormon statistics — literacy
among Saints in the U. S. 99.7 per cent,
births 30 per 1,000 as compared with 22
per 1,000 in 25 non-Mormon nations, a
death rate of 7.5 compared with the inter-
national average of 14.
Articles of general interest to Lat-
ter-day Saints have appeared in the
National Geographic of May 1936,
which had as its subtitle, "The Bee-
Hive State, Settled Only 89 Years
Ago, Stands a Monument to the
Courage of Its Founders;" in the
April 10, 1937 issue of The Liter-
ary Digest which attempts to ex-
plain our principles and something
of our history in the article; "No-
madic Evangel;" and in the German
publication, Das lllusttievte Blatt,
for February 5, 1938.
nttft *t* ifrjurtUrmi tenMth
~ Das Reich der Mormonen - T* lto_R k fc
By WINDS AND WATERS ^-h.^*: P^^T^^ tt^1 ** I :
« ■ , A Only 89 Years Ago, •£** ^ ^ ^lV^tU wC -Jfg
* be" tolhe Courage • " ' ,. flfl \tt W»l ^f^T^ & ^
■ us Foun , n m »*w* Li#» ^ i \^^> tf^ -&£;
These reports are simply indica-
tive of the countless numbers of
similar reports which are flooding
the' presses in many lands. News-
paper clippings constantly pour into
the Eva office. One from The Daily
Mail comes from far-away South
Africa and has permitted one of
our missionaries to expound the
principles of our religion.
A vidly we have read the glowing
tributes to the Latter-day Saints,
proud and happy that at last the
world at large has come to an open-
minded attitude on our faith. How-
ever, there is another point of view
that must of necessity be stressed
in connection with this adulation.
We must not soften our moral fibre
and lose our guiding purpose. We
are a chosen people in that we have
been given great truths which if we
adhere to will make us a superior
people. On the other hand, if we
do not live according to the truth
which has been revealed, we have
every expectation of receiving con-
demnation rather than commenda-
tion.
We have been told by President
Brigham Young that the only way
in which the kingdom of Zion will
be established is by our own efforts.
He stated on one occasion: "When
we enjoy a Zion in its beauty and
glory, it will be when we have built
it. If we enjoy the Zion we now an-
ticipate, it will be after we redeem
and prepare it." With this admoni-
tion constantly before us, we can
read the tributes paid to us and re-
solve that we shall measure up to
what onlookers are saying and to
what we know we should be doing.
— M. C. /.
,!rrTrr==r7&awwtwJS —
v WINDS W*D WATERS
u
-T\H blazes with"
Prismatic patea
white and pink el*
The Mormons and Their Health Problems
Condensed iron, Horizon-New York, N. Y. ^ ^
„ «- ,o know about The daily &**£& "
. 4te
Re""e matter what the
i „f searching aiw , us in-
••instead of* for us. i« ..
qUire what we h o£ Jesu „,
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JhsL PROTESTORS OF
THE BAPTISM OF THE CHRIST, FROM
A PAINTING BY F. E. WEBERG.
CHRISTENDOM
a STORY DEALING WITH THE WRIT-
INGS AND TEACHINGS OF THE
APOSTOLIC FATHERS AND WITH
THOSE NOTABLE CHARACTERS OF
RELIGION WHO THROUGH THE CEN-
TURIES HAVE PROTESTED AND WHO
HAVE BEEN PROTESTED AGAINST.
By JAMES L BARKER
Head of the Department of Modern Languages
at the University of Utah, and a member of the
General Board of the Deseret Sunday School
Union
Qsuniwu^ and. C^isUi.
(CONTINUED)
Baptism and the Lord's Supper
did not escape profound modi-
fications.
According to Justin Martyr ( 103-
166 A. D.), "It is baptism alone
which can purify those who have
repented . . ,"32 This does not dif-
fer from the New Testament usage:
the newly-converted were! initiated
into the Church by baptism and the
laying on of hands for the gift of
the Holy Ghost.33 Only those old
enough to be capable of repentance
were subjects for baptism; there is
not a single instance of the baptism
of infants.34
32Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho, XIV, 1.
33Acts VIII. 12-17; XIX, 5. 8.
34The jailer and his "house" were baptized (Acts
XVI: 23-34) but there is no reason for believing that
there were any infants in the "house" or that any
infants were baptized: Paul and Silas did not preach
to infants, and they had first spoken "unto him (the
jailer) the word of the Lord, and to all that were
in his house," neither did they baptize infants. In
the few cases where a whole family was baptized,
there is no reason to believe that the family included
infants. If the baptism of the "house" of the jailer
is sometimes alleged in support of infant baptism, it
is only because the defenders of infant baptism can-
not cite an example of infant baptism in the New
Testament.
"Unless a man be born again, he cannot enter the
kingdom of heaven." (Acts 111:3.) Neither may it
be inferred from this statement of the Savior that
infants should be baptized. As here quoted from
the King James' version of the Bible, "man" is used
to render the Greek indefinite pronoun tis. Though
tis may usually be rendered by the German indefi-
nite pronoun man or by the French indefinite pronoun
on, there is in English no corresponding indefinite
pronoun and no single word or phrase that may be
used in all cases to translate the meaning of tis. Tis
may mean a, an; a certain one; somebody; any one;
all of a class (of which one is speaking), etc. If
John desired to quote the Savior as meaning everyone
of the (adult) class to which Cornelius belonged.
then he very properly used tis. If he desired to
quote the Savior as meaning all persons whatsoever.
218
Justin Martyr (103-166);
Irenaeus (died about
200 ) ; Tertullian ( 1 60-
220 ) ; Clement of Alexan-
dria (died before 216);
Origen (183-254).
Aside from the well-known cases
of baptism in the New Testament,
the following passage contains the
earliest information concerning bap-
tism:
"Concerning baptism, baptize (baptisate)
then he chose a word that did not have that meaning.
Moreover he could have chosen the Greek word pas,
sometimes combined with tis, pas tis, which would
have said what some defenders of infant baptism would
like us to believe he intended to say. As evidence
for infant baptism, this statement of the Savior to
Cornelius has no bearing whatever.
In New Testament times immersion is the only
form of baptism known to have been used.
It is sometimes argued that Paul baptized the jailer
by sprinkling or pouring, but the text says nothing
about sprinkling or pouring and nothing in regard to
the manner of his baptism may be inferred from the
text. The jailer was not baptized in the jail: before
the baptism, the jailer "had brought out" Paul and
Silas from the jail; and after the baptism, he "brought
them into his house" (Acts 16:30, 34), consequently,
Paul and Silas had been free to baptize him wher-
ever they could find enough water.
It has been argued that the Apostles must have
baptized by sprinkling or aspersion since there was
not much water in Jerusalem, and yet they baptized
three thousand persons on the day of Pentecost.
Concerning this E. Jacquier (Catholique) {Les Actes
des Apotres, p. 85) says: "about three thousand
persons were baptized; it is not said that it was on
the same day or in the same place, or whether they
were baptized by Peter alone (seul). It has been ob-
jected that it would have been very difficult to baptize
three thousand persons, even in a certain lapse of
time, considering the form, immersion, in which bap-
tism was administered in this period of time, and
the scarcity of water in Jerusalem. The public author-
ities would have been aroused by this demonstration.
But all around Jerusalem there was a sufficient number
of pools {piscines) to enable them to baptize such
a large number of persons without even attracting
attention."
thus: Having first rehearsed all these
things, 'baptize (baptisate) , in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit', in running water; but if thou hast
no running water, baptize in other water,
and if thou canst not in cold, then in warm.
But if thou hast neither, pour (ekXeon)
water three times on the head 'in the name
of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit'."35
Baptisate, the Greek word in the
original of this quotation, is always
translated "baptism by immersion"
and, since no qualifying adverb or
phrase is used with it in this pas-
sage, it means necessarily to baptize
by immersion.
"pROM the following quotation from
Tertullian, one would conclude
that early baptism was by immersion
since a small quantity of water
would suffice for baptism by pouring
s°The Didache or The Teaching of the Twelve,
VII, 1-3.
36Partisans of baptism by pouring or sprinkling
sometimes define the Greek verbs bapto and baptizo
as meaning to wash, to immerse. The placing of
to wash first, seems entirely unjustifiable. The large
Greek dictionary of M. A. Bailly lists eighteen ex-
amples of the use of baptizo and, with one exception,
it gives in all of these the meaning to plunge, to
immerse. The same dictionary gives twenty-one
examples of the use of bapto, and defines but one
of them, to plunge in the water, hence to bathe to
wash. This is the only example cited in which
the Greek word bapto has the meaning to wash and
then it is given not as the primary but as a derived
meaning. It also gives the following derived mean-
ings growing out of the meaning to plunge: to
plunge a sword into the body of a man and kill him;
to plunge steel into water, hence to temper it; to
plunge something into dye, hence to color or fo dye it.
There is clearly no justification here for any other
literal meaning of the Greek word from which
baptize comes other than to dip, to plunge, to immerse.
"The Greek word baptizein (infinitive of baptizo,
I baptize) means to dip, to submerge . . . there is
cited from Greek literature not a single instance of
the use of the word in which the idea of submersion
is not involved. . . . Immersion is the only catholic
(universal) act of baptism, the only one whose validity
is recognized semper et ubique et ab omnibus (always
and everywhere and by everybody). The burial in
water continued to be the standard usage of the
Church for more than a thousand years. ... It was
the practice in Britain until the reign of Elizabeth,
and is still demanded in the order of the Church of
England for the baptism of infants unless the parents
shall certify that the child is weak."— Baptism in the
New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowl-
edge,
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
or sprinkling: "therefore there is no
difference whether a man be washed
in the sea or in a pool, in a river or
in a fountain, in a lake or in a canal:
nor is there any distinction between
those whom John baptized in the
Jordan, and those whom Peter bap-
tized in the Tiber . . ."3T
In the early centuries, "clinical
baptism" or baptism by pouring or
sprinkling, often postponed until the
approach of death, was considered
an irregularity which normally dis-
qualified for promotion to the Priest-
hood.38
In the beginning, candidates were
baptized without any preliminary
period of preparation. Soon how-
ever a long period of training or
catechumenate was prescribed. The
convert might remain a catechumen
as long as he pleased and, since the
duties were light and it postponed
the forgiveness of sins through bap-
tism, the aristocracy often preferred
to remain catechumens.
After the catechumen had been
approved for baptism, he was known
as a competent, was exorcized fre-
quently to expel the evil one, and
received instructions preparatory to
baptism. Baptism was performed
ordinarily at Easter. Both the rites
of baptism and of the Lord's supper
took different forms in different
countries.
In the seventh century, "the bap-
tism of adults had become excep-
tional." Children were accompanied
by godfathers and godmothers
charged with the responsibility of
answering in their name. "But it
was clear that the formulas had
been composed for adults, and that
the ceremonies themselves did not
have their full meaning when used
37In defence of pouring, attention is sometimes called
to the seventh chapter of Mark's gospel (3): "And
when they saw. some of his disciples eat bread with
defiled, that is to say, with unwashen (aniptois) ,
hands, they found fault. (4). For the Pharisees,
and all the Jews, except they wash (nipsontai) their
hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
And when they come from the market, except they
wash (baptisontai) , they eat not. And many other
things there be, which they have received tj hold, as
the washing (baptismous) of cups, and pots, brasen
vessels, and of tables (couches — klinon)." Lightfoot
"had supposed that (in verse 4) they plunged or
bathed the hands" "instead of having them moistened
by pouring as in the preceding verse." Lagrange
does not think the interpretation of verse 4 impossible,
but says concerning verse three: "it is a question
of a ritual formality . . . they touched the water
with the end of the fingers." And for Lagrange,
kai klinon (and tables— couches) , though added "by
serious authorities" "must have been suggested by
the legislation of Leviticus xv," Evangile selon saint
Marc, pp. 180-183, and he does not admit it into his
text. There is nothing here on which to base an
argument for baptism by sprinkling.
"sEcclesiastical canons XX; Council of Neo-
Caesaria, c. 8, 12. Eusebius quotes a letter of
Cornelius (251-253) bishop of Rome, Ecclesiastical
History, VI, 17: "For when this illustrious person
deserted the Church of God, in which when he came
to believe, he was deemed worthy of the presbyterate
through the favor of the bishop, who laid his hand
on him to confer that order (meeting the opposition
of all the clergy and many lay persons as well — since
one who has received baptism by affusion (by pouring
water, not by immersion) on his head owing to sick-
ness, as Novatus had, might not be ordained to an
order — with the request that he might be allowed to
ordain this man alone. . . .)"
THE PANTHEON, ROME.
for persons who had not attained
the age of reason."39
Baptism in the baptistery of the
Lateran church at Rome as early
perhaps as the seventh or eighth
century is described by Duschene.40
Like the baptistery at Pisa, the bap-
tistery of the Lateran was built for
the purpose of baptizing by immer-
sion. After describing the font
{piscine) and how it was fed with
jets of running water, Duschene
states that it was here that the bishop
( pope ) celebrated baptism at Easter.
Preceded by two huge candles borne
in front of him to the singing of the
litany, the bishop entered the bap-
tistery preceded by his suite. After
a "collective" prayer and another
prayer in "eucharistic form," the
bishop proceeded with the baptism.
Another long prayer, prescribed by
the ritual of the eighth century, still
in use, was interrupted twice while
the sign of the cross was made on
the water and in the water and then
once more to blow on the water.
Then the bishop pronounced the
words: Descendat in hanc plenitud-
inem fontis virtus Spiritus tui ( May
the power of thy Spirit descend into
this fulness of the font). The two
dignitaries who carried the candles,
plunged them into the water of the
font. The bishop then took a vase
of oil41 and poured it in the form of
a cross on the water, afterwards
stirring it with his hand.
39Duschene, Les Origines da Quite chvetien, p. 312.
40Duschene (Catholic), Les Origines da Culte
chretien, pp. 326-333. The Lateran had been an
imperial palace and had belonged to Fausta, the wife
of Constantine. It was given by him, together with
costly vessels of gold, to the bishop of Rome.
41This oil had previously been consecrated for the
purpose. In addition "the faithful presented little vials
of oil, intended for their own personal use, to be
blessed; the faithful made use of it themselves." —
Duschene, Les Origines du Culte chretien, p. 323.
Here is a part of the formula, as quoted by
Duschene, used in blessing the oil: "Send, we beg
of thee Lord, the Spirit the Holy Comforter from
The baptism proper then began.
Completely disrobed {Entietement
depouilles de tout vetement), the
candidates advanced to the font, the
archdeacon presented them to the
bishop (pope), who asked each one
three questions concerning his belief.
Having answered these satisfactor-
ily, the candidate was then immersed
three times as the bishop repeated:
"I baptize thee in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Ghost."42
After baptism, the head of the bap-
tized was anointed with oil, he was
dressed in white, and the bishop then
invoked the Holy Ghost upon him.
Aside from immersion in water
and the laying on of hands for the
reception of the Holy Ghost, no ele-
ment of this elaborate ceremony is
mentioned before the year 200,
neither by the Apostolic Fathers nor
by Justin Martyr. However, about
the year 200, baptism is already ac-
companied by designation with the
cross, the use of salt, the renouncing
of Satan, the exorcising of the evil
one, the confession of faith, and the
taking of an oath. Immediately after
baptism, the newly-baptized was
given the sacrament with milk and
honey.
The baptism of children became
the general practice in the fifth cen-
tury, and the councils of Olmutz
(1318 A. D., canon 19) and Sala-
manca (1335 A. D„ canon 6) de-
creed that in general children should
be baptized soon after birth.
Cyprian,43 bishop of Carthage,
confronted with the question wheth-
er heretics should be baptized on
entering the Church, is of the firm
opinion that "the baptism which is
performed outside the Church is no
baptism."44 Tertullian is of the same
opinion.45 {Continued on page 234)
heaven into this oil . . . for the restoration of mind
and body; and with thy holy benediction be a
protection for mind and body, soul and spirit, of all
who are anointed, taste or touch ( the oil ) to the
removal of all pain, all infirmity, all sickness of
body and mind. . . ."
Compare with the consecration of oil for
the sick today.
42Duschene, Les Origines du Culte chretien, pp.
326-333.
^Cyprian (185-284), like Tertullian and indeed
almost all early Latin writers, was an African. Be-
fore his conversion, he had been a rhetorician. His
treatises are important and his letters are the chief
source for the history of the time. He suffered
martyrdom.
44Cyprian, Epistle, LXX, 2: "Moreover, the very
interrogatory which is put in Baptism, is a witness
of the truth. For when we say, 'Dost thou believe in
eternal life, and remission of sins through the holy
Church?' we mean that the remission of sins is not
given, except in the Church; but that with heretics,
where the Church is not, sins cannot be remitted.
They, therefore, who claim that heretics can baptize,
let them either change the interrogatory, or maintain
the truth; unless indeed they ascribe a Church also
to those who they contend have Baptism." See also
Cyprian LXXIII. 12.
^Tertullian, De baptismo, VIII, 15: "And there-
fore have we one, because not the same baptism with
them, which, since they (the heretics) have it not
rightly, without doubt they have it not at all, nor
can that be counted, which is not there: and So
also they cannot receive it, since they have it not."
219
THE AUTHOR here writes her
thoughts on this subject of pro-
found importance as she would if she
were writing to her own daughter.
And it is to be hoped that something
of this prayerful approach may enter
into the thinking and planning of
every prospective bride and of every
friend or parent who undertakes to
advise a prospective bride.
My dear Daughter:
The joyous news of your coming
marriage has just been received
and I hasten to assure you of my
great happiness in the knowledge
that you have chosen for a life com-
panion a man whom you can honor
and respect as well as love, and one
who is united with you in the deeper
spiritual things of life.
Naturally, as you say, you will de-
sire to be married in the Temple even
though the journey there may mean
some financial outlay; for when one
loves as you do, the thought of mar-
riage "until death do ye part" is hope-
less in the extreme. It is never the
same when you are married first by a
civil authority, even though you may
have a later Temple ceremony. No
civil marriage can compare in beauty
and soul-stirring solemnity with that
which is performed in the House of the
Lord; and if you do not have the right
ceremony with which to begin your
united lives you will miss something
very sweet and precious.
Should you feel that possibly you
may not want to associate with your
chosen mate throughout eternity as well
as on this earth, then let me beg of you
to change your plans right now, for no
lasting happiness could come of such a
BRIDE'S ROOM, SALT LAKE TEMPLE. THE
PASTEL LOVELINESS OF THIS ROOM SURROUNDS
THE YOUNG BRIDE WITH BEAUTY AND COM-
FORT IN THE HALLOWED INFLUENCE OF THE
HOUSE OF THE LORD WHEN SHE GOES THERE
TO BE WEDDED TO HER BETROTHED "FOR
TIME AND ETERNITY."
For time
and eternity
By LEAH D. WIDTSOE
££* AJbwiqhL pwm. thsL AfwuMeA. ialL
io ijquw^ womsun. JAla, two iMaimsmJL
o$* an, ohL Ambf&cL dsalA. ftiankLy. and,
&aJim&ih^ otc mxVUtiaqiL andihrngA,
ctoAcltf A&Iai&d io ii.
marriage. If you are sure that you
have been guided in your choice, then
begin your wedded life aright, by being
married in the Temple of our God by
one who has authority "to bind on
earth" that it may be "bound in
heaven."
First, let me ask you to read care-
fully and prayerfully Section 132,
verses 4 to 27, in the Doctrine and
Covenants. Note that the key to life's
real satisfaction is this "new and ever-
lasting covenant" as explained in verses
six to nine. In no other church is given
this blessed privilege of understanding
Photo by D. F. Davis. Copyright 1938, by Heber
]. Grant. Trustee'in-Trust. Reproduction permis-
sion for any purpose specifically withheld.
that family ties last unto eternity if
life here is lived in righteousness. As
you grow in years you will realize in-
creasingly what joy this knowledge
gives.
While you are preparing for this
event, think deeply on the meaning of
marriage. One doesn't just get married
and then "live happily ever after" as
the story books say. Marriage is really
just the beginning of life's rich fruition.
A successful marriage is always the re-
sult of daily effort (enjoyable, if at
times difficult) on the part of two well-
mated individuals who unselfishly seek
to please and appreciate the other more
than self. It is no "hit or miss" propo-
sition. Each must understand the other
and plan for daily happiness.
Naturally, I shall hope to be with
you every moment during your first day
in the Temple. Should anything pre-
vent my being there be assured that
kind and thoughtful assistance will be
given you by the good women who
officiate in that holy House. Everyone
there desires to make your wedding
day one of the most glorious of all your
days on earth. So prepare to enjoy
every moment of this enlightening ex-
perience.
'"The obligations which you assume in
the ordinances of the Temple are
all uplifting and for your own enrich-
ment, and are not difficult to carry out.
You may not comprehend the full
meaning of all the ceremonies at first,
but repeated visits will make them
clearer and more enjoyable. Each time
you go in the right spirit, you will have
"light added unto light" and your soul
will be truly fed and uplifted.
One of the deeper truths taught
therein is that your body is sacred as
the tabernacle of one of God's chosen
spirits. It belongs to you to cherish,
to keep healthy and clean that your life
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
on earth may be more joyous thereby,
Understanding this, no woman should
desire to make a display of herself to
strangers even for the price of admira-
tion, or of being "in style," for the satis-
faction of her own vanity. On analysis
this motive is most unworthy and un-
womanly. Even the newer knowledge
of nutrition which teaches that the sun
is health-giving when it shines directly
on the skin does not connote exposing
yourself unduly to public gaze. For
obvious reasons the sun-bath as other
baths should be taken in privacy.
When this is well understood you
will find it somewhat easier to select
styles that are correct yet chic even
for your evening dresses. To a good
man or woman, short sleeves and a
modestly round or V-neck are always
more attractive than the dress which
exposes a woman's body for strangers
to behold, and surely you do not de-
sire to attract the other kind of per-
son, no matter how beautiful you
may be.
To be modestly dressed does not
mean that you must look a "frump"
or be a "freak," for there are always
conservative fashions to be chosen and
you may wear your clothes with greater
dash and freedom just because you are
modest.
There is a deeper meaning still in
this subject. Most things in life are
expressed by symbols. I write the
word "love"; it is a small word — just
a few lines of the pen, but what a world
of meaning for all who understand it.
So with other things in life — the arts,
music, the printed page, even the
"movie" — symbols all. So it is with
our Temple clothing, a symbol only, of
God's protecting care which follows us
as we leave His holy House, to be
with us always in our work, our play.
By day and by night, that symbol
covers our bodies and truly helps us to
remember our covenants and keeps us
near to Him and His guidance. Should
I disfigure it or banish it, I am not just
removing a piece of cloth, but a sacred
symbol of great power to me in a life
of many temptations and much vicissi-
tude. With that symbol worn cor-
rectly I am in a position to tune my
life-needs to His infinite power for help
when I need it most, just as the radio
receives impulses from the central
studio only when the instrument is
properly tuned.
This becomes your privilege when
you enter His House, and, if you want
the blessings bestowed therein, make
up your mind to keep your "soul in
tune"-— cost what it may. Don't try to
cheat your Heavenly Father by de-
manding His protection and blessings
and then living your life in all the
worldly ways of those who ridicule
Photo by D. F. Davis. Copyright 1938, by Hebcr
/. Grant, Trustee-in-Trust. Reproduction permis-
sion ^or any purpose specifically withheld.
those sacred privileges. I pray that
you may earn your blessings in a way
that is rair and square, for "God will
not be mocked." Eventually and in
some way, all must pay the price for
every broken law.
'"Phe Lord intended that His people
should be leaders in all that is
righteous — more virtuous, if possible,
more helpful and understanding than
the world who do not choose to follow
in His footsteps. For this purpose was
the Gospel in its fulness restored to
earth.
Remember also that this is your indi-
vidual privilege; don't be influenced
by what others do. In the Temple you
will be told what is right and that is
your definite guide no matter what
"Mrs. So and So" says outside the
Temple. It should make no difference
to you how "Somebody's wife" or some
"Higher-up" wears her clothing. That
is her affair not yours; if she breaks
a law she will have to pay the penalty,
not you — unless you are weak and fol-
low an unworthy example.
I hope that with your effort and mine
we can manage to get all your Temple
clothing so that you may have them
always for your very own. They will
be more precious just because you will
have the memory of having worn them
when you took your marriage vows.
It is more important to look your best
in the Temple than outside and we shall
try to have everything simple but beau-
tiful.
One more thought: Only in the
modern Temples of the restored Gos-
pel have women been admitted as man's
equal to partake of all sacred obliga-
SRIOE'S ROOM, LOGAN TEMPLE
DELICATELY DECORATED IN GOLD AND BLUE,
THIS ROOM SERVES TO CENTER THE YOUNG
BRIDE'S MIND ON THE GLORIOUS PRIVILEGE
WHICH IS HERS TO LAY AN ENDURING FOUN-
DATION FOR ETERNAL PARTNERSHIP WITH
HER BELOVED.
tions and vows side by side with him.
This is right, but it is a sacred privilege
which we should cherish and not sell
for "a mess of pottage." If we do not
live to be worthy of this as other bless-
ings, they may be taken from us. So'
let us be wise and valiant in obeying
all the laws of this holy House,
May I suggest that you return to the
Temple as often as it is possible and
renew your covenants. A suggestion
for each wedding anniversary is to
spend all day in each other's company
and also to perform in the Temple some
sealing ordinances for others who have
died without that privilege. Thus your
own marriage vows may be more
closely welded and you will be richly
blessed thereby.
Remember that as you love and re-
spect your husband as your file-leader,
you may expect love and consideration
in return. In homes where the man
honors his Priesthood and performs
fully his Church duties I have always
found the greatest happ'.ness. You
help him and in turn he will help you
to do your duty.
If you have any queries, please ask
them, for you must feel yourself pre-
pared and ready to receive these rich
blessings. That your life partnership
may prove to be increasingly joyous is
my earnest prayer.
Your loving mother.
Editor's Note: In an early issue of
The Improvement Era the author will
address herself on this same subject as
she would write to her son concerning
his plans for marriage.
O^S#v@^0
22r
SOME THOUGHTS^M^
BOOK OF
n
Jt is not common that the voice of the people desireth
anything contrary to that which is right; but it is
common for the lesser part of the people to desire that
WHICH IS NOT RIGHT." ( BOOK OF MORMON, MoSIAH 29:26.)
HILL CUMORAH MONUMENT
222
When Alma the younger be-
gan his missionary labors
among the Zoramites, he
found that they had not only per-
verted beyond recognition the reli-
gion of the Nephites, but that their
hearts were set upon gold, silver,
costly apparel, and the riches of the
world. While they had built up an
impressive material civilization, and
while many enjoyed great prosper-
ity, there was among them a numer-
ous class of poor people who, be-
cause of their lowly station, were de-
prived of many prerogatives which
the rich claimed exclusively for
themselves. As is often the case in
such communities, they were denied
a share in the enjoyment of the very
things which they had built with
their own hands. This class dis-
tinction was accentuated by a spirit
of disdain which the privileged dis-
played towards the more unfortunate
members of their community.
This social inequality had caused
a strong resentment among the poor.
They were bewildered, unable to
find a solution for the difficulties
which, they imagined, had been
placed in the path of their material
and religious life. In their perplex-
ity they were willing to listen to
Alma and his missionary compan-
ions. Alma's answer to their ques-
tion (Alma 32:8-33:23) is a pane-
gyric on the spiritual advantages of
poverty. Amulek's discourse, (Al-
ma, Chapter 34 ) likewise, moves al-
most exclusively on a spiritual plane.
Yet, in view of the natural bitterness
of his listeners over their social posi-
tion, Amulek deems it necessary to
voice this admonition:
And now, my beloved brethren, I would
exhort you to have patience, and that ye
bear with all manner of afflictions; that ye
do not revile against those who do cast you
out because of your exceeding poverty, lest
ye become sinners like unto them. (Alma
34:40.)
Amulek's warning to be patient
and to abstain from abuse and
calumny under the circumstances is
highly significant. According to his
inspired view, violence in the social
struggle is bound to lead to sin and
to release passions and restraints
which every true follower of Christ
should avoid.
Of course, Amulek does not ad-
vocate non-resistance as a means for
bringing about the instant ameliora-
tion of the condition of the poor.
He deems their spiritual redemption
to be of greater importance than
their social liberation, and as to the
latter his immediate outlook is pessi-
mistic. Hence his exhortation that
his listeners should bear their tribu-
lation "in the firm hope that" they
"shall one day rest from all" their
"afflictions." (Alma 34:41.)
The rejection of violence as a
principle of social action is, never-
theless, significant politically. His-
tory bears out the spirit of Amulek's
view that social justice should not be
enforced at the point of the sword.
When the trial balance of the accom-
plishments of revolutions is struck,
the result is likely to preponderate
in favor of social progress through
peaceful means.
The advice of Amulek embodies,
however, a complete moral vindica-
tion of the cause of the oppressed.
While the poor believer is admonish-
ed to abstain from force and abuse,
the rich who entrench themselves in
privilege created by their econom-
ically superior position and who con-
sider "their brethren as dross," while
their own hearts are set upon their
riches, stand already condemned.
Predatory practices such as those
indulged in by the rich Zoramites,
by which their fellows are reduced
to underprivilege and abject pov-
erty, make sinners of those who
resort to them. Thus Amulek's
warning to keep the social peace
most assuredly provides no justifi-
cation for a privileged position of
the rich.
Tn view of these obvious deductions
from Amulek's formula for social
action the problem arises : What so-
cial and economic condition does the
SOCIAL MESSAGE n£ifoL
MORMON
By JEAN WUNDERLICH
44
Tf the time comes that the voice of the people does choose
iniquity then is the time that the judgments of god
WILL COME UPON YOU, YES, THEN IS THE TIME He WILL VISIT YOU
WITH GREAT DESTRUCTION." ( BOOK OF MORMON, MoSIAH 29:27.)
JEAN Wunderlich, born in Ger-
many, served the Church in the
Swiss-German Mission from 1922 to
1926, principally as associate editor
of Der Stern and as a district presi-
dent. Coming to Utah at the con-
clusion of his mission he engaged
variously in editorial work, and in
the teaching of German and the study
of law in the University of Utah,
University of Chicago, and Hamil-
ton College, Clinton, N. Y. He is
now successfully engaged in the prac-
tice of law in Los Angeles, and, with
his wife, the former Jane Burlingame
of Denver, and one son, Walter Eu-
gene, now resides in the Rosemead
Ward of Pasadena Stake, where he
is an active member of the Church.
Book of Mormon consider desirable?
No categorical answer to that
question is possible. For nigh unto
two hundred years after the appear-
ance of Christ on the American con-
tinent a "united order" prevailed as
an economic system among the Ne-
phrites. For lack of a better name,
this system may be characterized as
a pure form of collective ownership.
The details of its organization have
not been preserved, except, perhaps,
in a modified form practiced by the
Mayas and Incas. We only know
that during that time,
every man did deal justly one with an-
other. And they had all things in common
among them; therefore there were not rich
and poor, bond and free. (4 Nephi 2-3;
see also 3 Nephi 26:19.)
This passage, incidentally, is
proof that under proper conditions
a community of worldly goods is a
feasible economic system conducive
to a condition of supreme human
happiness.
Even when this ideal state did not
prevail among the Nephites, the
economic practices of the people
claimed the earnest attention of the
leaders of Book of Mormon times.
Being observers of the law of Moses,
their economic concepts were shaped
largely by the ideals of distributive
justice as revealed in the Old Testa-
ment. This influence of ancient
scripture is clearly discernible, for
instance, in the Nephite idea of
equality before the law (Mosiah
29:32), in their idea of the charac-
teristics of the ideal ruler (Mosiah
2:11-16), and in the Nephite mone-
tary system ( Alma, Chapter 11).
But one social thought recurs again
and again in the teachings of the
very man who headed the mission
to the Zoramites: that is Alma's
crusade against inequality.
Today, leadership in the field of
economic justice is a responsibility
shunned by many churches, yet it is
a responsibility the assumption of
which is expected more and more of
organized religion. Leadership in
that field is not new among God's
people. The Book of Mormon clear-
ly warrants the conclusion that the
Church may properly promulgate
ideals of distributive justice and take
steps to shape the economic morality
of its members.
At a time when Alma still occu-
pied the political office of chief judge
among the Nephites, "seeing all
their inequality" he "began to be
very sorrowful." This condition,
more explicitly described in Alma
4:12, was to him "a great source of
lamentation," sufficiently great to
induce him to resign his secular of-
fice and devote himself exclusively
to the ministry. From that time
on we encounter in his reform work
a constant indictment of inequality.
The lesson is evident. Glaring
inequality among the people of God
is not desirable under the divine
plan. The prophets of old recog-
nized more clearly than we are will-
ing to admit today that liberty and
equality are twins and that liberty
cannot be fully realized without
equality.
Alma's example contains, how-
ever, this other equally important
lesson: the avenue to equality is
through the Church. Here again
the proper approach to the problem
is spiritual. Otherwise it would be
paradoxical for Alma to resign
political power at the very moment
he desires to bring about a social
reform. But Alma, in the years of
his political life, has learned that
the preaching of the word had a great
tendency to lead the people to do that which
was just — yea, it had had more powerful
effect upon the minds of the people than
the sword, or anything else, which had hap-
pened unto them — therefore Alma thought
it was expedient that they should try the
virtue of the word of God. (Alma 31:5.)
Therefore, he does not rely on
reform by law, nor on an enforced
equality, but through the spiritual
message of the Gospel he hopes to
stir them up in remembrance of their duty,
and that he might pull down, by the word
of God, all the pride and craftiness and all
the contentions which were among his peo-
ple, seeing no way that he might reclaim
them save it were in bearing down in pure
testimony against them. ( Alma 4:19.)
And thus we gather from the
words and experience of Alma the
inherent limitations of all law and
of all government.
HPhat the solution of social diffi-
culties must be sought on the
spiritual plane is evident from an-
other problem on which the Book
of Mormon touches — that of eco-
nomic depressions. The Nephites
were not immune to these recurring
changes in their economic life, and
this in spite of the fact that they ap-
pear to have had a commodity cur-
rency and free coinage of silver.
(Alma 11:5-19.) Some of the
causes assigned for depressions to-
day were not available as explana-
tions for the bad times of Book of
Mormon history. There was, for
instance, no problem of imports and
exports, of tariffs, and of foreign
exchange. There were, of course,
such external causes as drought,
poor crops, epidemics, and wars.
Yet, throughout the Nephite record
only one ultimate reason is given for
changes in the business cycle, name-
ly.
And it came to pass that they did repent
and inasmuch as they did repent they did
begin to prosper. (Heleman 4:15.)
Just as in the case of social prog-
ress, the factors underlying eco-
nomic conditions are spiritual. Even
the unbeliever will concede that
every explanation offered for our
present economic ills may be reduced
ultimately to a spiritual cause. In
the end it is always the moral char-
acter of man that determines his
economic behavior.
The Nephites, therefore, knew
and experienced again and again
(Continued on page 234)
223
fcdfofriaL
THE One-hundred-eighth Annual Conference of
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
will convene in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Utah,
on Sunday, April 3, 1938, at 10 a. m.( continuing with
sessions on Monday, April 4, and Wednesday, April 6.
The General Priesthood meeting will be held Mon-
day evening, April 4, at 7 p. m.
Wards comprising the Salt Lake region may hold
the monthly fast meeting on either the last Sunday in
March or the second Sunday in April.
First Presidency.
HThe ancient practice of giving a tenth of one's
income to the Lord is a standing law of the
restored Church of Christ. It was so declared in
a revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith, one hun-
dred years ago, on July 8, 1838. On the same day
another revelation directed that the disposition of
the tithing of the people should be under the au-
thority of a council composed of the First Presi-
dency, the Twelve Apostles, and the Presiding
Bishopric.
Thus, in these latter days the principle of tithing
was reestablished, and the wise expenditure of its
proceeds ensured.
This principle, like all others within the Gospel,
is for the benefit of the membership of the Church,
individually and collectively. The tithepayer
receives quick returns, temporal and spiritual, for
his offering.
Tithing supplies the physical needs of the
Church. From the tithings of the people all neces-
sary Church buildings are in part erected; temples,
churches, schools, hospitals, and missions are main-
tained; the hungry are fed, and the naked are
clothed; and the numerous general expenses of the
Church are paid. All members of the Church en-
joy the privileges thus made possible, and, naturally
are responsible for the temporal obligations created
by these varied benefits.
Tithing helps men remember their dependence
on God. That is a spiritual necessity, essential to
real success. The heavens and the earth were
made by the Lord. By Him men were placed on
earth. He gives the seasons and the harvests. All
good gifts come from Him. In return for His
loving kindness He offers us the privilege of giving
one-tenth of our "annual interest" as a witness of
our devotion to Him, and of our recognition of His
preeminence in the universe. Men who sense their
human limitations and accept the leadership of God
are the great ones of earth — and there is no other
certain path to true greatness.
Power comes to the tithepayer. He learns to
command his earthly desires. That means self-
mastery — the key to power. Instinctively, man
loves money or its equivalent, the means by which
material desires may be gratified. At first he
struggles inwardly, with himself, to return even a
tenth of the material gifts of life to the Giver. But,
as he looks upward, and establishes within his soul
the relative values of the things of the earth and
those of the spirit, it becomes easy. To relinquish
material goods for spiritual blessing is the issue of
the battle. To the extent that he obeys the law,
he secures victory; and the degree of his victory
becomes the measure of his power, — the power to
overcome the trials and difficulties of life. God's
freemen are they who have fought for self-conquest
and have won the fight.
Important is the law of tithing, none more so.
The wise man rejoices in the privilege of obeying
it. Indeed, only those who do obey it make them-
selves fully worthy of their high calling as Latter-
day Saints. Unless the law be obeyed, the Zion
of the latter-days cannot arise to bless the world.
Obedience to this sacred law is essential to produce
a purified people, who can be used by the Lord in
the accomplishment of His mighty purposes.
— /. A. W.
JsimplsL WjohhiaqsL
~fUf arriage, next to birth and the acceptance of
truth, is the most important event of life. Hap-
pily wed, a person enters a beautiful and satisfying
life; unhappily wed, he lives joyless days. Mar-
riage is a serious matter.
Love, the foundation of the happy marriage, is
only in part of the body; it is more of the spirit.
It respects the object of its devotion; it is unselfish;
it is true; it gives more than it receives.
A marriage satisfied with termination at death,
when it might be everlasting, is based upon a shal-
low and fleeting love. It looks but to the moment
and not to the day. Under the stress of life it is
likely to crumble and fall. True love is deathless;
it pleads for an endless association.
Children complete the family circle. Father,
mother, son and daughter are the sacred words of
home. These priceless relationships will continue
beyond the grave for those whose union is for time
and eternity.
The problems of life are many. A rudderless
224
boat on Eternity's ocean is the man or woman who
does not draw strength from the unseen world. In
sickness, in defeat, in upward striving, in days of
conquest, the wise, happy, and successful man turns
to God, who in all His acts bridges time and
eternity. They who are eternally wedded, having
accepted the oneness of life here and hereafter,
may more securely draw for help upon the powers
of the greatest, the unseen world. They will find
their every burden lightened, their every joy made
keener, their utmost hope more glorious.
The authority to perform everlasting marriages,
transcending the bounds of time, to continue for-
ever family relationships of parents and children,
to use more effectively the powers of the world out
of which man came and to which he shall return,
has been restored to earth.
You, of this people, who stand upon the thresh-
old of marriage, who have been taught the eter-
nity of life, must seek with all your might the priv-
ilege of entering the temple of the Lord, there to
be sealed to your mate, for endless lives. There is
no more glorious privilege vouchsafed to man.
Beautiful is the temple service. It unfolds the
story of existence; it points the path to divine
achievement; it brings peace to the soul, power to
the spirit, joy to the toiler, comfort to the sorrowing.
It gives you eternal possession of your loved ones.
Do not live in the shadow when you might live
in the light. Do not look to the earth when you
might belong in the skies; do not draw upon the
feeble hour, when you might use the powers of
eternity for your life's purposes; do not be satisfied
with a fragment of joy, when its fullness might be
yours.
With your loved one by your side enter God's
holy temple on your great day, the day of your
marriage. — J. A. W,
"fasMj. WhiL WhoJbL'
C\$ one of the many occasions when Jesus paid
his quiet but incisive respects to his hypocrit-
ical accusers and would-be destroyers, He said
". . . I have made a man every whit whole ..."
(John 7:23). And no generation has produced a
better definition of the function of the Gospel of
Jesus Christ than that. This Gospel (and the
Church of Jesus Christ, the earthly agency through
which the business of the Gospel is conducted)
has one objective, and that objective is to make all
men "every whit whole."
The purpose of the Church is not to build a
powerful and ever-widening world organization —
except as such organization will promote the sal-
vation of human souls. There may be world or-
ganizations— even churches — which seek power
for its own sake and which widen influence for
self-interest, but that is not the way of the Church
of Jesus Christ.
Nor does the Church of Jesus Christ seek spir-
itual benefits for mankind and rest content to leave
its members in physical want. That is the way of
a type of asceticism which would try to redeem a
man's soul and let his body go begging. Or it may
be an excuse for convenient neglect of the physical
wants of a people. But the Gospel of Jesus Christ
takes eternal note of the fact that good and useful
men are better and more useful if they are "every
whit whole."
Nor does the Church of Jesus Christ rest con-
tent to leave any class of its people in ignorance
while a priestly group is charged with the exclusive
responsibility of doing the thinking and the inter-
preting and the "interceding with God" in many
matters of thought and worship. The Gospel of
Jesus Christ takes eternal note of the fact that
a man cannot be positively good where his knowl-
edge does not lead him, and one of the most
glorious truths restated in the present dispensation
through the Prophet Joseph Smith heralds the fact
that men "cannot be saved in ignorance."
Nor does the Church of Jesus Christ rest content
to see its members attain physical well-being or
pursue this thing called "intellectuality" without
giving due weight and attention to the spiritual
values of life. Nowhere more than in the Church
of Jesus Christ is it more vigilantly realized that
material well-being and worldly wisdom cannot
survive for good beyond the time of their separa-
tion from alloy with things of the spirit.
There is no law or ordinance of the Gospel,
there is no organization or activity of the Church,
there is no written or spoken utterance of an in-
spired servant of the Lord but what has as its sole
purpose making men "every whit whole." And for
this purpose the Church has established many
agencies and activities in the past, and will continue
to establish more in the future as need arises and as
the Lord directs.
The latest such helping agency is the Security
Program. Before it came the Primary Association,
the Department of Education, the Genealogical
Society, the M. I. A., the Sunday School, the
Relief Society, the missionary system, the law of
tithing, the law of consecration, the Word of
Wisdom, faith, repentance, baptism, and all of the
other tenets, principles, and organizations — all to
further the cause of making men "every whit
whole" — all to nurture faith, to promote mental,
physical, moral, and spiritual harmony — all to point
the way and facilitate the eternal journey of a
human soul.
And at the risk of seeming to be old-fashioned,
at the risk of being accused of intolerance, even at
the risk of offending some who are not like-minded,
may we remind our readers that even in the year
1938 there is still no other way under heaven
whereby a man may become "every whit whole,"
either in this world or the world to come, save
only through obedience to the ordinances and prin-
ciples of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as that Gospel
has been stated in other generations and restated in
this dispensation by divine messenger and direct
revelation. And may it be said to all that such an
old-fashioned thing as obeying the commandments
of God is still the smart thing to do for a man who
desires to become "every whit whole." — R. L. E.
225
NEW MISSION PRESIDENT
CHOSEN
T^lder Richard E. Folland was ap-
*-* pointed, February 21, 1938, by the
First Presidency as head of the South
African Mission to succeed LeGrand
P. Backman, a life-long friend and
former missionary companion when the
two of them labored in the South Af-
rican Mission from 1915-1920.
LE GRAND P. BACKMAN RICHARD E. FOLLAND
Elder Folland in addition to serving
in the mission field has been active in
the Wells Stake Sunday School super-
intendency where he is second coun-
selor.
Accompanying Elder Folland on his
mission will be his wife and three
daughters.
NEW CHOIR PRESIDENT
CHOSEN
[ ester F. Hewlett was appointed,
*-* February 26, 1938, by the First
Presidency to succeed Bishop David
A. Smith as president of the Tabernacle
Choir. Bishop Smith has served as
president of the Choir since 1908. Re-
cently the press of other duties relative
to his work as one of the Presiding
Bishopric has made it imperative that
Bishop Smith be relieved.
Sunday, February 6, 1938.
A Priesthood Conference of the
North Davis Stake was held. Elder
Joseph Fielding Smith was the speaker.
Sunday, February 13, 1938.
The Smithfield Fourth Ward, Smith-
field Stake, was organized from part of
the Smithfield First Ward. Dr. G. L.
Reese was sustained as bishop.
M. T. Van Orden was sustained as
bishop of the Smithfield First Ward.
Tuesday, February 15, 1938.
W. D. Palmer was appointed acting
president of the Tahitian Mission.
Sunday, February 20, 1938.
Cedar City Second Ward was re-
organized with O. C. Bowman as
bishop.
The Mount Graham Stake was or-
ganized with Spencer Kimball as pres-
ident. This stake was organized from
part of the St. Joseph Stake.
The St. Joseph Stake was re-organ-
ized with Jesse A. Udall as president.
The Sandy Third Ward, East Jor-
dan Stake, was re-organized with
Marlin L. Bateman as bishop.
226
The St. George South Ward Chapel
was dedicated by President Heber J.
Grant.
Thursday, February 24, 1938.
Elders George Albert Smith and
Rufus K. Hardy arrived in Sydney,
Australia.
Sunday, February 27, 1938.
President Heber J. Grant dedicated
the Thirty-first Ward Chapel.
The Phoenix Stake was organized
from part of the Maricopa Stake, with
James R. Price as president.
The Maricopa Stake was re-organ-
ized with Lorenzo Wright as president.
MARTHA HORNE TINGEY
PASSES
I^Trs. Martha Horne Tingey, for
twenty-four years general presi-
dent of the Young Women's Mutual
Improvement Association, died March
11, 1938, at her home in Salt Lake City.
For fifty years she was prominently
associated with women's activities in
the Church.
When the first General Board of the
Y. W. M. I. A. was organized in 1880,
Mrs. Tingey, then Martha Horne, was
chosen as second counselor by Elmina
S. Taylor. Mrs. Tingey continued in
her service in the M. I. A. from that
time until her release as general pres-
ident at the General Conference of
April, 1929.
Gifted as a musician, reader, writer,
and speaker, she was invaluable in the
early history of the Young Women's
hpeLuti
organization. She also, at the invitation
of President Brigham Young and in
company with five other Utah girls,
learned the art of typesetting and fol-
lowed that profession for several years.
She married Joseph S. Tingey in 1884
and bore seven children, five of whom
survive her.
UTAH STATE AGRICULTURAL
COLLEGE OBSERVES FIFTIETH
ANNIVERSARY.
TI7ith educational, civic, and church
v" leaders participating, the Utah
State Agricultural College at Logan,
Utah, observed on Tuesday, March 8,
the fiftieth anniversary of the signing
of the Lund bill, which act of the Utah
Legislature brought the college into
existence in 1888, under the provisions
of the federal land-grant college bill.
Prominent participants included Gover-
nor Henry H. Blood, President Freder-
ick Champ of the Board of Regents, Dr.
Elmer G. Peterson, president of the col-
lege, Elder Melvin J. Ballard of the
Board of Regents, Dr. John A. Widt-
soe, a former president and professor
of the institution.
HEBER M. WELLS PASSES
T-Jeber M. Wells, first governor of
A A the state of Utah and son of Daniel
H. Wells, died March 12, 1938, at the
age of 78. Although Elder Wells had
retired from active service during the
past few years, he had continued to be
of invaluable service as one of the chief
editorial writers of the Deseret News.
MISSIONARIES LEAVING FOR THE FIELD FROM THE SALT LAKE MISSIONARY HOME
ARRIVED FEBRUARY 28, 193S— DEPARTED MARCH 17, 193S
Left to right, First Row: Wendell Toolson Hurrin, Byron Murphy Billings, Joseph F. Shepherd,
Mary Sant, Marianne Wiscomb, Fay Arline King, Florence Ethel Smart, Harriet Mace, Gail Wright,
Kendall Balls.
Second Row: Byron F. Haderlie, Richard J. McBride, Evelyn S. Carmen, Betty May Kotter, Marie
Hallam, Madea Alice Murri, Doyle Albert Wilde, Grant LeRoy Brooks, Herbert K. Crook.
Third Row: Joseph Harold Clayson, Grant C. Porter, Horace Gordon Wilde, Edna Louise Matheson,
Bessie C. Hacking, Ramola Lee, Esther Thornton, Augustus Twitchell, Howard Robinson, Fay Clyde Wilde.
Fourth Row: Stewart M. Winegar, James A. Wight, Willard M. Stephensen, Mary Margaret
Rigby, Vera Vilate Healey, Eftnma Louise Parry, Ross H. Cook, John Max Dalley, Roy M. Hansen.
Fifth Row: Walter E. P. Jones, William C. Bolender, William Mills, Arthur Eugene Peterson,
Helen D. Christensen, Cecil J. Harper, Alton Lamont Morrill, Jacob A. Jenson, Herman K. Teichert,
Wendill Dee Jenkins.
Sixth Row: Ellwood West Rasmuson, Walter T. Ashby, Wiley Harris Miller, Thernon A. Sleight,
Everett M. Wray, Francis B. Dial, Vernon L. Kunz, Joseph F. Cooper, Elias Jepsen.
Seventh Row: Grant A. Hawks, Alma Virgil Wipple, Wilson Van Green, George Albert Clawson,
Jr., Lynn K. Cullimore, J. Berkeley Larsen, Rean B. Bisel, Oman Dorian Johnson, Fred W. Hopkin,
Victor Waddoups.
Eighth Row: Charles Vernon Burred, Owin Slaugh, Stanley R. Parker, Leon B. Jones, Ralph J.
Hill, Lehi B. Palmer, Fred Melvin Stechler, Dean J. Colby, Kennedy W. Curtis.
Ninth Row: Ralph E. Johansen, Wells Alter McAllister, Ben E. Bagley, Robert Henry deWitt,
Norris L. Bradfield, Everett L. Cooley, Jens Christian Anderson, Gerald William Andrus, Joseph
Reed Bills, Ivan Mathy.
Tenth Row: Gorden B. Kunz, Stanley McCullock, Vernal Peterson, Edward Callister Cannon,
Vaughn Kent Leavitt, Orson Harris Asay, Ray Hansen, Arvil Wadly, Edgar Dunn, George Dee Reese,
Homer Edward Kunz, Adam Welling, Derrill B. Tingey, Ira Gilbert Belnap, J. Wyley Sessions, Floyd
G. Higgins, Don Mumford, Duana Linford, Floyd L. Larson.
The Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith
(Compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith, Church Historian, Deseret News
Press, 408 pages. 1938. $2.25.)
Indisputably, the most significant fig-
ure in this dispensation of time is
the Prophet Joseph Smith, through
whom the Lord chose to restore the
powers, keys, organization, and ordi-
nances of the everlasting Gospel. By
the reality of his divine mission we rise
or fall, as Latter-day Saints, and by the
truth of his inspired utterances we
are or we are not what we claim
to be. It is high time therefore that
someone should compile his utterances
in a form for convenient accessibility
for every home in the Church, and this
has now been done by the painstaking
labor of the Church Historian, Joseph
Fielding Smith, and his associates, for
which service, gratitude and praise are
due.
The readily accessible utterances of
the Prophet, such as those in the Doc-
trine and Covenants and Pearl of Great
Price, have not been repeated, but from
many sources heretofore unavailable in
convenient form, from manuscripts,
journals, letters, and publications con-
temporary with the Prophet, has come
this great reservoir of truth and wis-
dom. A single paragraph in the vol-
ume, giving light on some question of
doctrine, or some new insight into the
Prophet's life and character, may well
be worth many times the price of the
volume to any reader. We predict a
warm welcome and ready sale for Jos-
eph Fielding Smith's compilation of the
teachings or the Prophet. — R. L. E.
God's Covenant Race
(James H. Anderson, Deseret
News Press. 293 pages. $1.75)
'"Phis volume is a selection of ten
chapters from the book The Pres-
ACADEMY AWARDS
Louise Rainer and Spencer Tracy
were named by the Academy of
Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as
having given the best motion picture
performances during 1937. Miss
Rainer won the award for her work
in The Good Earth; Tracy, for his
performance in Captains Courage-
ous.
The Life of Emile Zola was ac-
claimed the best picture of the year.
ent Time and Prophecy by the late
Elder James H. Anderson. These
chapters represent well the views and
arguments of Brother Anderson relative
to God's Covenant race.
The book is indeed an elaboration
of the doctrine that the Lord's prom-
ise to Abraham has been and is being
fulfilled through the descendants of
Jacob. The historical tracing of
the lost tribes of Israel is very inter-
esting and instructive.
Little emphasis is given to the doc-
trine that all who obey the Gospel be-
come of the blood of Israel by adop-
tion and are entitled to all the bless-
ings promised upon Abraham. The
disobedient Ephraimite has no claim
upon the Priesthood blessings of these
latter days.
The author's leaning toward the
British-Israel movement must be look-
ed upon as personal opinion.
The essence of the volume is the
discussion of fundamental views of the
Church by one of ripened understand-
ing. A full and intelligent faith in the
divinity of the work established through
Joseph Smith pervades every page of
the volume. — /. A. W.
CONFERENCE SPECIALS
During Conference Week Only,
exceptional values in L. D. S. literature, general books and high-grade merchandise are offered at the Deseret Book
Company. The following are a few of the outstanding Conference offers:
"Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith"
A new book compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith
Price $2.25
"Key to Theology" (new edition)
by Parley P. Pratt — Special Price
"Introduction to the Study of the Book of Mormon"
by J. M. Sjodahl— Regular Price $3.50
Conference Special $2.00
"Documentary History of the Church"
by the Prophet Joseph Smith
7 Volumes — Regular Price $15.00
Conference Special — Cash and Carry __.$10.00
"Comprehensive History of the Church"
by B. H. Roberts
6 Volumes — Regular Price .$30.00
Conference Special — Cash _ __ $25.00
"Life Story of Brigham Young"
by Gates & Widtsoe
Regular Price _ $2.50
Conference Special _ _ ._ $1.00
"Message and Characters of the Book of Mormon"
by John Henry Evans
Regular Price $6.00
Conference Special $1.47
"Joseph Smith, the Prophet Teacher"
by B. H. Roberts
Regular Price _ .■ _. $1.50
Conference Special _ $ .50
Also many other bargains of comparable value. These special prices are for cash and carry only. Add 10% if your
order is to be mailed, and add 2% state Sales tax for purchases in Utah.
DESERET BOOK COMPANY
44 East South Temple
BE SURE TO COME IN DURING CONFERENCE
SEE OUR SPECIALS ON RADIOS
Salt Lake City, Utah
Patronize "Era" Advertisers.
I
!
-J
227
CLIMBING
By Kathtine Hymas Williams
ONE day in April's many-weathered air
A little child with selfsame waggishness
Clung to my skirt hem as I climbed the stair,
Upsetting me and bringing to distress
A stack of linens. Hours it seemed until
The ends were smoothly met, the white heap
laid;
Then swift, on unbound feet, I scaled my
hill
Of polished tread and carven balustrade.
Tonight the stars kept calling me to prayer
Beneath their silver blessing, but my heart,
The prisoner of its hatred, missed the stair
To heaven. Then that remote event's wise
part,
Like bas-relief against the plaque of time,
Stood forth: They only who are free can
climb.
WHO HOLDS ETERNAL APRIL
By Claire Stewart Boyer
Who holds eternal April in his breast
Holds every season at its loveliest!
The gentle touch of Spring's bright trinity,
The warmth of Summer's cordiality,
The gold enthusiasm of the Fall,
The peace of Winter reaching over all;
For April is the jewel of the year,
That treasures what the heart believes most
dear:
The joy of youth, the graciousness of years
That have learned secretly the worth of
tears,
The glowing wisdom of maturity,
And age's trust in the eternity;
Who holds the gem of April in his breast
Holds life forever at its loveliest!
GOAL
By Edgar Daniel Kramer
I wearied of the valley,
So I climbed unto the hill,
When the stars were shining
And the night was still.
Behind me in the valley
I saw a candle gleam,
But he cannot tarry
Who would find a dream.
From the star-strewn hilltop
I saw the shining sea,
And I heard the waters
Whispering to me.
I hearkened to the waters
And the flying foam;
I forgot the valley
And the lights of home.
Then upon a dark night,
When the winds blew shrill,
Weary of my wandering,
I trudged up a hill.
From the wind-blown hilltop,
Lo, I glimpsed my dream:
The valley I had left behind
And the candle-gleam!
SKY WINDOW
By Grace Zenor Pratt
I have so loved you, Earth,
I cannot bear to think that I shall see
no more
These blue encircling hills, the desert valley
wide,
The dusky shadows falling low at eventide,
A row of poplars tall against the sunset
glow,
And clustered homes where light and wel-
come show;
I think I should be lonely, longing too,
For some familiar task I used to do.
I think that I should lean from heaven
above,
Amid the whirling stars and strive to see
Something of earth's familiar face — mor-
tality.
I'd miss the lilacs blooming in the rain,
The autumn winds, the glow of autumn
leaves;
I'd miss a song which never reached the sky.
... I cannot bear to die!
I saw white lilies floating in a crystal pool
At dawn, upon a mountain summit far away;
I stood enraptured . . I wonder can there
be
Aught more exquisite in eternity . . .
I have so loved you, Earth, that I shall lean
Sometimes from one far window in the sky
Waiting to see an earthly sunset die. . . .
Photo by Lionel Green
■ ♦
MARCH WIND
By Rachel Barney Ta{t
I hate the impudence of March!
Her gusty, flirty dashes
That fling my skirts, balloon them too —
Until she quite abashes;
She swirls the hats from off men's heads
To send them swiftly chasing;
And roars with laughter at us all
While down the street we're racing.
IMPRISONED APRIL
By Josephine Ingram
What use is there in bidding
My dancing feet be still
When hazel leaves are spreading
A green mist on the hill;
And down the wakening meadow
The buttercups upfling
Shining, copper pennies
New-minted for the spring?
Laughing down the hillside,
The river scampers by
Tossing emerald bubbles
That splinter as they fly —
O I have captured April —
Imprisoned her in song
That I may dance with springtime
Year long! Year long!
LEGEND OF THE DOWNY
WOODPECKER
By Florence M. Bennell
The night was dark on Calvary's Hill,
But white was the brow of my Master,
When a wee bird left a soft, warm nest
To save Him from disaster.
The heavy crown of thorns they placed
Was hard on the brow of my Master,
As the wee bird tried the load to lift
From that face like alabaster.
His countenance was sweet as He knew,
So sweet was the smile of my Master,
Rememb'ring the wee bird's kindly act,
The weary hours sped faster.
Today the Downy wears on his head
Those drops of my Master's blood, blood-
red.
SPRING RAIN
By Katherine Fernelius Larsen
OH, to be back in a country lane,
Sharing with trees the intimate rain,
Lifting my face to drenching skies,
While, from warm loam the rain-mists rise;
To sing, in a voice ecstatic, free,
My love for the world, and the world's for
me!
How we would revel in wet spring
weather —
The lane, the fields, and my heart together!
VIOLETS
By Ardell Cardon
Violets for me have the remembrance of
earliest youth— great purple violets
with dark sagitate leaves that grew across
our street along the wet edges of a ditch
bank and about the moist patches of an
adjoining meadow. Once, in a passion to
possess their beauty, I dug them up with a
toy spade while they were yet in full bloom
and tried to make a garden in the desert
of my sand pile.
Often I wonder if I am unknowingly dig-
ging other graves for the beauty that I am
selfishly seeking.
228
diamine
Conducted by Marba C. Josephson
I'M GLAD I'M ALIVE
By Edith Welch
Give me a bit of life
That I may taste
This mingled bitter-sweet of which
You speak!
Let me choose
The pieces I would take.
And let me mold
And form them with my hands
And make of me the person I would be.
'T'he rhyme— "Oh, it's fine to sit
here, and just stick up your feet,
and watch all the autos go by in
the street'' — does not appeal to me.
Because I am young, I want to live.
To me, the world is new. I want to
explore it and try my strength. I
would like to know if I am what I
imagine myself to be.
So crowded are my days with
happiness that I forget the hurts
and disappointments. I'm so busy
being happy and thankful that I do
not have time to become cynical.
Depressing thoughts and cares have
not lined my face nor have heavy
burdens bent my back.
Loving and dreaming are my
birthright. Air castles are waiting
to be built. Everything from small
unsteady puppies to far away faint-
ly blue mountains are waiting to be
loved.
I live intensely. Little thrills play
up and down my spine at the won-
der and beauty of this earth. My
heart is forever skipping beats,
taking me to the heights or the
depths.
Part of my education consists in
"hard times." When things came
too easily I was becoming selfish.
Of the value of money I knew little.
In the days of prosperity I made a
vain assertion of things I would do,
if necessary, in order to realize my
ambition. Fate took me at my word.
If to no one else, I must prove to
myself that I am as good as my
word.
Oh, I'm young. Some people may
pity me because I have battles to
fight. I would not trade those vic-
tories or defeats, sorrows or joys,
for all of their wisdom and expe-
rience.
When I feel the cool winds sweep-
ing the tiredness from me; see the
bright lights and the happiness;
taste a little of the bitter-sweet of
life, I am full of the joy of living
and thank God that He let me come
to this earth.
Millions of Western
Women have learned
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THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
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The capacity of these banks to serve the legiti-
mate needs of all customers and to advance
their interests are important considerations in
selecting your banking connection.
Wlau. Cx/jl S&wjl you?
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Members of FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION
The Advertisers Who Support Your Magazine Merit Your Patronage.
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
ZION EASTER
PAGEANT SCHEDULED
AGAIN
Fourth Annual Sunset Rendition
to be Given Sunday, April 17th
By Fae Decker Dix
Cpring comes early to Zion Canyon
*"* down in the heart of Utah's Dixie-
land. You have only to lift your eyes
to the high, strong walls of the canyon
to see how the "mountains shout for
joy." You can almost hear the "val-
leys sing" and the "hills rejoice" in the
resurrection of another year.
So, it is most fitting that the Easter-
tide should be commemorated in this
harmonious setting. And, it is most
gratifying that the three Latter-day
Saint stakes (Parowan, St. George,
and Zion Park) located in that region
should cooperate with National Park
officials in presenting annually the beau-
tiful Easter sunset pageant in Zion Na-
tional Park. So truly does the atmos-
phere of Zion Park lend itself to the
reverence of Easter that immediately
upon entrance one is impressed with
its sanctity. It is almost as if one's
voice should be a little softer.
While most Easter services are held
at sunrise, this one remains unique in
being given at the sunset hour. For
sunset in Zion Canyon is more con-
ducive to a worshipful attitude than any
other hour of the day. Often in this
western country the dawn is accom-
panied by a crisp breeze, a bustling
and stirring as Nature begins her day.
But, at sunset the breeze has lulled;
there is sudden peace. And, on Easter
Sunday, just before the twilight, out of
this peace shall rise the voice of chor-
uses singing, "Were You There When
They Crucified My Lord?" This, to
herald the pageantry about to be pro-
duced. And, then, as the triumphal
entry into Jerusalem opens the play,
Faure's immortal "Palm Branches" will
reverberate through the towering can-
yon walls. From this moment until the
mighty "Hallelujah Chorus" rings out
to proclaim that Christ has risen from
His tomb, the mountains and the hearts
of assembled Christians will in very
deed be shouting for joy.
A Genuine Pipe Organ
FOR
The Price of a Substitute
Large variety of installations in Salt Lake City.
Special demonstrations every day during April Con-
ference.
For Information and Appointments
Call Hyland 7648 or Write
B. F. PULHAM
165 Edith Ave.
Salt Lake City
L A* is Cooperating
In National Recreation Institute—
The only institute which the National Recreation Association will hold in the West
this summer will be at the Church University from June 13 to July 22 with the Mutual
Improvement Associations as cooperating agencies. Arts and crafts, nature activities,
and music will be taught by three national experts: Frank A. Staples, Reynolds E.
Carlson, Augustus D. Zcmzig. Standard College credit. The institute will be part of
B. Y. U. Summer Quarter
June 1 3— July 22; July 25— August 26
National and international authorities added to regular staff.
Second Conference on Elementary Education, June 20-24. Dr. William H. Kil-
patrick of Columbia will participate.
Writers' Roundup, July 18 and 19. Prominent writers and editors will speak.
For catalog, address Dean, Summer Session
BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY
PROVO, UTAH
me ^jm!?
NEW GRAND
Hotel
M. H. THOMPSON
Manager
Salt Lake City's Popular Medium Priced
Hotel, Located at 4th South and Main
This pageant, to be held for the
fourth time in Zion National Park on
Easter Sunday, April 17, 1938, is rap-
idly gaining the attention of many peo-
ple from many regions, and has all that
such a production needs to make it a
haven for those who seek to worship
on the anniversary of our Lord's glori-
ous resurrection.
ARDEN
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Finer Flavor and Extra
Quality
Phone— Was. 986 1030 So. Main
Visit the New Modern Arden Dairy
231
CONDUCTED BY THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE TWELVE —
JOSEPH FIELDING SMITH, CHAIRMAN; MELVIN J. BALLARD, JOHN A. WIDTSOE, AND JOSEPH F. MERRILL
ANTI-ALCOHOL AND
TOBACCO CAMPAIGN
A General Priesthood Project: As
■** was indicated in the letter of the
First Presidency to the Council of
Twelve, published on page 105, Feb-
ruary number of The Improvement Era,
the Twelve were authorized to or-
ganize a campaign throughout the
Church for the non-use of alcoholic
beverages and tobacco, the same to be
a project of all Priesthood quorums,
Melchizedek and Aaronic. The Pre-
siding Bishopric heartily concurred in
making the non-use of these things a
project of all quorums of the Aaronic
Priesthood. Further, authorization
was given to call upon the auxiliaries
of the Church for help.
Accordingly all stake Melchizedek
Priesthood committees and bishoprics
have been asked to plan and carry for-
ward without let-up the campaign in-
dicated above. Many, if not all, of
them have taken steps to this end.
General Committee. We are pleased
to announce a further development.
Under the auspices of the General Au-
thorities there has been formed a com-
mittee of nine to represent them in this
Church- wide move. This general com-
mittee is made up of one representative
from each of the following bodies:
The Council of Twelve, First Coun-
cil of Seventy, Presiding Bishopric,
Church Board of Education, and the
General Boards of the Relief Society,
Sunday Schools, Young Men's and
Young Women's Mutual Improvement
Associations, and the Primary. This
committee is at work on plans to give
all feasible help to the stakes and
wards. The plans contemplate a cam-
paign that shall reach every home and
every member of the Church living in
any of the wards. It is hoped to have
the plan ready for publication in the
May number of the Era.
Of course, all will agree that the pro-
ject upon which we are entering cannot
be completed in one season or in one
year. Hence we should organize, hav-
ing in view the magnitude of the job
to be done and with some idea of how
long it will take to do it, and make
preparations accordingly.
Stake and Ward Committees. In
order that the general, stake, and ward
authorities may all work in harmony in
this matter, we recommend that in
each stake and ward a committee be
appointed after the pattern of the
General Committee in Salt Lake City.
Without question each stake com-
mittee should operate in harmony with
the Church General Committee and
under the immediate supervision of the
stake Melchizedek Priesthood com-
mittee, which, in turn, should secure
232
SPECIAL MEETING AT APRIL
CONFERENCE FOR
MELCHIZEDEK STAKE
COMMITTEES
With the approval of the First
Presidency a meeting of all
Stake Melchizedek Priesthood Com-
mittees is hereby called to meet in
the Assembly Hall, Tuesday, April
5, at 10 a. m. To this meeting all
quorum officers will also be welcome.
The Council of the Twelve
By Rudger Clawson,
President.
the cooperation of the stake auxiliary
organization boards, asking each of
them to name one of its members for
the committee. Ward committees
should work in harmony with the stake
committee and under the immediate
supervision of the bishopric. This
plan of organization assumes that the
Priesthood quorums in the stake and
wards, assisted by the auxiliary organi-
zations, shall be in charge of the liquor-
tobacco project, the details of the work
being looked after by committees hav-
ingthese specific things to do.
These committees will not relieve the
Priesthood quorums of their liquor-
tobacco projects but will cooperate
with them. It is believed this brief out-
line of how the committees should be
organized and function is sufficiently
full. Other information relative to these
matters may be found from month to
month in this column of the Era, or
may be obtained by addressing letters
to the committee at the Church Office
Building, Salt Lake City.
PROGRAMS FOR THE.
MONTHLY QUORUM
MEETINGS
W7E believed that it was generally
v* understood that where a Priest-
hood quorum covers two or more
wards, and therefore does not meet
each week as a quorum, a quorum meet-
ing should be held each month at a
time approved by the stake presidency.
To this meeting should come the
groups of the quorum from the wards
covered by the quorum.
Now the question has been asked
whether we have provided a program
for these monthly meetings. To this
question the answer is "yes". See The
Improvement Era, December, 1937, p.
769, first column.
STATUS OF WEEK-DAY
QUORUM MEETINGS
Tn a number of stakes, week-day eve-
A nings are now being used for quorum
meetings. This is perfectly proper, if
those interested so desire.
In the Franklin Stake of Zion the
Priesthood meets Monday evening; the
sisters meet then also, but in separate
rooms. Both men and women study
the Priesthood course of study. After
the quorum meeting is over, the men
and women reassemble, and those who
care to do so remain for a thirty-five
minute period of instruction in gene-
alogy.
It is commonly reported that the new
quorum movement is improving the
spiritual condition generally of the
members of the Priesthood.
BISHOP'S UNIFORM RECEIPT
BOOK FOR WORK AND CASH
CONTRIBUTIONS
rpHE new receipt book in the posses-
•*■ sion of the bishoo, is so arranged
that all the work and contributions
made by members of the Church may
be entered. In that way, every Church
member may receive proper credit for
whatever contributions in labor or in
actual cash are made toward the Secur-
ity Program.
QUORUM PROJECTS AND
SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES
Tt is hoped that all quorums of the
*■ Melchizedek Priesthood of the
Church are now organizing cooperative
quorum work for the coming season.
These projects may be of an agricul-
tural, mechanical, or industrial nature.
It does not matter, so long as they have
in mind the production of something
for the benefit of their fellows through
personal labor. Quorum projects
would be more successful if those in
charge of the quorum would provide
occasional social affairs to accompany
the project work.
It would be well to bring the women
into the service of projects also.
Usually, the sisters take great delight
in being connected with such quorum
enterprises. If they can serve in no
other way, they might carry on the
social affairs that are needed from time
to time to enliven the call of duty.
RESPONSIBILITY OF QUORUM
MEMBERS FOR PROJECTS
'"Phe quorums should remember that
the labor involved in the projects
decided upon by the members and the
effort to carry these projects to a suc-
cessful completion do not devolve pri-
marily upon the quorum presidency,
but must be shared by all the members
of the quorum, all of whom should join
in carrying on the work. Only then
will the true spirit of brotherhood,
which should characterize Priesthood
quorums, develop among the members.
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
ONE RECOMMENDED RURAL
PROJECT FOR PARENTS
AND CHILDREN
A very profitable project for quorums
"^ as well as for parents in farming
districts is to give the boys a start, by-
allotting them, for example, a calf or
a few sheep, and helping them care for
the livestock, so that they may accumu-
late something as a result of their
labors.
MELCHIZEDEK LESSON OUTLINES
(For Latter Part of April and All of May)
Text: The Word of Wisdom— A Modern
Interpretation. By John A. Widtsoe
and Leah D. Widtsoe.
LESSON XI
Hot Drinks
(First Part of Chapter 7)
I. Meaning of the Term.
1. Definition by Prophet and his brother Hyrum.
2. Refers not to temperature but to drugs in-
creasing heart action.
3. Includes all stimulating beverages.
4. Excessively hot or iced drinks injurious also.
5. Scientific confirmation.
II. History of Tea and Coffee Consumption.
1. Use by ancient peoples.
2. Introduction into Europe and America.
3. Leaders of the past on record against its use.
III. Financial Aspects.
1. Consumption in U. S.
2. Per capita cost, total cost.
3. World consumption.
4. Unfortunately increasing.
IV. Composition of Harmful Beverages.
1. Discovery and description of caffein.
2. Other harmful ingredients.
3. Chemical analogy between these alkaloids and
urea, a waste product of animal body.
4. Formation of purin derivatives.
V. Physiological Effects.
1. Definite action of drugs.
2. Stimulation and depression.
3. Nerve-whips always harmful.
4. Class with other habit-forming drugs.
5. Action of tannin on the body.
6. Effect on the brain and mind.
7. Response of the heart and circulation of
blood.
8. Respiration and digestion also affected.
9. Irritation of kidneys.
VI. Hot Drinks and the Race.
!. Decidedly weakening.
2. Harmful for expectant and nursing mothers.
3. Especially harmful for children.
4. Their use and life expectancy.
Questions. Problems, Projects.
1. How would you define the term "hot drinks?"
2. Review the chapter on "Hot Drinks" in Dr.
Oaks' book "The Medical Aspects of the Word of
Wisdom."
3. Explain the drugs found in tea and coffee and
explain why they are harmful.
4. Describe definitely the effects of caffein, tannin,
and other harmful substances on circulation, respira-
tion, and digestion of human beings. How are the
kidneys affected?
5. Give some estimate of what the state and the
nation might accomplish with the money now spent
for these substances which weaken man instead of
increasing his powers.
6. Explain why the term "hot drinks" does not
refer alone to temperature; but also why really some
hot or iced drinks are injurious.
7. How is the mind affected by drug-containing
drinks?
8. Why are "hot drinks," so-called, especially in-
jurious to children? To expectant or nursing mothers.
How may their use be prevented, in the home?
At social gatherings?
LESSON XII
Hot Drinks
(Latter Part of Chapter 7)
I. Chocolate and Cocoa.
1. Their use and distribution.
2. Composition and food value (see also bottom
p. 90 of text).
3. Economic aspects.
4. Effects of theo-bromine on nerves and
kidneys.
5. Control of the chocolate habit.
II. Other Stimulating Beverages.
1. Distribution of caffeine in other plants.
2. Other drug-containing drinks.
3. Implication of all drinks which "give one a
MONTHLY REPORT OF THE L. D. S. STAKE MISSIONS
Made by The First Council of the Seventy to The Council of the Twelve Apostles
Foe the Month of January, 1938
Missionary Activities
January January
1938 1937
1. Evenings or part days spent in missionary work 8,908 3,669
2. Hours spent in missionary work 23,779 8,636
3. Number of calls made 19,298 6,430
4. Number of first invitations in - 8,782 2,898
5. Number of revisits - 5,551 1,814
6. Number of Gospel conversations 19,321 7,300
7. Number of standard Church works distributed (does not include Books of Mormon
reported under Item No. 10) 528 237
8. Number of other books distributed 580 147
9. Number of tracts and pamphlets distributed 9,678 7,034
10. Copies of Book of Mormon actually sold _ 432 60
11. Number of hall meetings held by missionaries 322 157
12. Number of cottage meetings held by missionaries 1.022 272
13. Number of missionaries who attended cottage and hall meetings 3,577 1,342
14. Number of investigators present at cottage and hall meetings 3,375 1,197
15. Number of baptisms as a result of missionary work 126 55
16. Number of inactive members of Church brought into activity through stake missionary
service during the month 693 119
Additional Information
Number of stakes in the Church 121 118
Number of stake missions organized _ 117 112
Missionaries Actively Engaged
Number of stakes reporting .„ 104 63
Number of districts 384 234
Elders 278 195
Seventies ~ 1,275 704
High Priests 296 130
Women 290 171
Total 2.139 1,200
Items of Special Interest
Interviews were held in the office of the First Council with 31 stake presidents and stake mission
presidents during the month of January.
Visits in connection with stake missionary work were made by members of the First Council to eighteen
stakes during the month of January.
♦ ■
lift" or are "delightfully refreshing" or
which "banish that tired feeling."
4. Injury of drinks containing caffeine in rich
syrups.
5. Drinks or foods containing theophylline.
III. Curing the Caffeine Habit.
1. The "ounce of prevention" advised.
2. A well and completely nourished body is
the best defense against all unnatural crav-
ings.
3. Firm determination to quit.
4. Use of substitutes, healthful drinks.
IV. Scientific Opinion Regarding Drug-Containing
Drinks.
1. The Prophet Joseph probably unacquainted
with this scientific literature.
2. Proof of his unquestioned inspiration.
3. Term "hot drink" inclusive of all drug-
beverages.
4. Dr. W. E. Dixon's contribution.
5. The body is rested and built up by health-
giving food and drink not by drugged con-
coctions.
V. Seeming Human Welfare.
1 . Users of drugs claim work is provided by
their use.
2. Health and welfare has no money value.
3. Other crops may be grown which are health-
giving but non-injurious.
4. Chemurgy.
Questions, Problems, Projects.
1. What is your opinion of the custom of drinking
chocolate or cocoa? Especially by children?
2. How does the body respond to all drug-
containing drinks?
3. What is the best way to prevent the use of
harmful foods or beverages?
4. How may one best be taught to understand that
a drink which "lifts you up" will always "let you
down" afterward and that the harmful effects are
cumulative?
5. What may be said of Dr. Dixon's study of
caffeine beverages?
6. How would you answer one who claims that
the cultivation of these substances gives work to
thousands of people and should not therefore be dis-
turbed?
7. What is the answer to the contention that
since millions of people in the world use these
substances, they cannot be very harmful?
8. What must be your attitude (or that of young
people generally) when you find yourself the only
one of a social group to refuse harmful drinks?
How may youth be taught to stand alone, if necessary,
for the right?
LESSON XIII
Food Constituents
(Chapter 8)
I. Positive Instructions of the Word of Wisdom.
1. Definition.
2. Importance.
3. To refrain from things forbidden is not
enough.
4. Abstention from smoking, drinking, alcohol,
or using tea or coffee is not a full guarantee
of health.
5. Food money should purchase good health.
II. Science Confirms the Word of Wisdom.
1. Nutrition, as a science, not born in the
Prophet's day.
2. Step by step new truth concerning man's
nutrition has been discovered.
3. In every respect this new knowledge har-
monizes with the Word of Wisdom.
4. Beware of "food fads."
III. Proof is Necessary.
1. New dietetic truth comes from investigation.
2. The inspired guide always coincides with
truth.
3. Men may at times make false claims for
things known to be injurious.
4. Prove all things; hold fast to truth.
IV. Functions of Food.
1. Build new tissue for growth.
2. Repair worn-out cells.
3. Give energy for life processes.
4. Maintain body temperature.
V. Groups of Food Constituents.
1. Proteins (building foods).
2. Carbohydrates (starches, sugars for energy).
3. Hydrocarbons, or fats (also energy foods).
4. Mineral salts (body regulators for blood,
nerves and glands.)
5. Vitamins (for growth and health main-
tenance).
6. Water (for food distribution and other im-
portant functions).
VI. Obedience to all the Word of Wisdom leads to
Health and Happiness.
Questions, Problems, Projects.
1. How would you explain the case of the brother
who had never tasted liquor, tobacco, tea or coffee,
was "born of goodly parents," and lived a useful,
noble life, yet died at 45 of cirrhosis of the liver —
a disease which nearly always afflicts drunkards?
2. Why is it important but not enough to refrain
from the "dont's" of the Word of Wisdom?
3. When can the blessings enumerated in Doctrine
and Covenants 18:21 be fully claimed?
4. What would you think if a reputable scientist
claimed that smoking and drinking "in moderation"
is not harmful?
5. Why is right food necessary for health? Explain
the functions of food?
6. What is meant by the Food Sextette? Enumer-
ate and explain the part of each group of food in
body maintenance.
7. What does it mean to have a "balanced diet"?
(Concluded on page 234)
233
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
(Concluded from page 234)
LESSON XIV
"Out of the Ground"
(First Part of Chapter 9)
Life's Physical Cycle.
1. "Dust thou art."
2. Plants "eat" the soil; animals eat plants.
3. How sunshine is necessary for plant growth.
4. Man's bodily health connected through plants
with soil composition.
Composition of Human Body.
1 . Contains same elements as earth's crust.
2. A comparison of the composition of the earth
and the human body.
3. The elements found in the human body.
Importance of Soil Composition.
1. Conditions plant's strength.
2. Minerals must be available to plants for
growth.
3. Soils become exhausted by constant cropping.
4. Proper soil fertilization necessary.
5. Man's body is dependent upon elements in
plant food.
6. Health ultimately depends upon soil com-
position.
IV. Necessary Minerals.
I.
II.
III.
1. The "Basic thirteen."
2. Importance of each; one may not be substi-
tuted for another.
3. The work of Drs. Greaves & Greaves.
V. Use of Minerals in Body Functions.
1. Calcium the outstanding mineral: a biological
necessity.
2. The function of calcium in nutrition.
3. Need of phosphorus, iron and copper.
4. Importance of iodine and its relation to
mentality.
5. Other minerals needed in minute amounts.
Questions, Problems, Projects.
1. Explain the significance of the Biblical phrase
"Dust thou art."
2. What is the modern interpretation of Genesis
2:7, 8, 9.
3. In what sense may one say that without the
sun there could be no life on this planet?
4. Name the minerals that are indispensable for
human life. Explain the functions of those best
known.
5. How are the mineral essentials of food obtained.
6. Why is the fertilization of soil so important.
How much was spent by farmers in your locality for
fertilizers last year? Was it sufficient? Why?
♦-*
Thoughts on Social Mes-
sage of Book of Mormon
(Continued from page 223)
during their history that the way out
of depression is a renewed interest
in spiritual things.
The theme needs no elaboration.
It is well summed up by one modern
authority on business cycles:
But what causes these fluctuations in
business and prices? Statistics show that
crises are caused by spiritual causes, rather
than financial, and prosperity is the result
of righteousness rather than of material
things. These spiritual forces are the true
fundamentals of prosperity (Roger W. Bab-
son, Fundamentals of Prosperity, p. 75.)
Instances might be multiplied
where the Book of Mormon, upon
thoughtful study, yields a definite
social or political message. Let us,
however, consider but one more
problem which it is instructive to
contemplate in view of much present
agitation about it. That is, the ques-
tion of the relative merits of the
different forms of government.
The Book of Mormon does not
hold an inflexible brief for any form
of government. From its pages
many thoughts of a political nature
may be gleaned. One of these is
that a democracy, even though in-
itiated by a holy man of God, need
not necessarily embody Montes-
quieu's doctrine of the separation of
powers. Of that fact Mosiah's
constitution for the Nephites and
the entire book of Alma bear wit-
ness. Such lessons are gathered
only in passing as we read the his-
tory of this dispersed branch of the
House of Israel. A definite theory
of government, however, is encoun-
tered in the glorious chapter 29 of
the book of Mosiah. Apart from a
skeleton constitution for the Ne-
phites it embodies some general
philosophy of government, com-
mencing with this significant apol-
ogy for democracy:
234
It is not common that the voice of the
people desireth anything contrary to that
which is right; but it is common for the
lesser part of the people to desire that which
is not right. (Mosiah 29:26.)
ATosiah puts great trust in the peo-
ple. From the verse just
quoted it seems that according to him
the people should decide upon meas-
ures and policies. They should not
merely elect men who will make the
choice for them. Knowing the is-
sues and proposals, Mosiah is con-
fident that the people, except in
periods of great wickedness, will
make the correct choice. But, as a
man who is conversant with the real-
ities of human life, he reckons with
the possibility that even the majority
may desire unrighteousness. There-
fore
if the time comes that the voice of the
people doth choose iniquity, then is the
time that the judgments of God will come
upon you, yea, then is the time he will visit
you with great destruction. (Mosiah 29:
27.)
Let us, however, not overlook the
fact that Mosiah's democratic con-
stitution is a compromise with the
political corruption of man. Accord-
ing to his view the ideal rule is far
from democratic. In spite of his
tirade against kings ( Mosiah, chap-
ter 29) he finds a monarchy to be
the most effective and desirable form
of government. The difficulty with
it is principally one of personnel.
Mosiah proceeds from the propo-
sition that "the judgments of God
are always just, but the judgments
of men are not always just." ( Mo-
siah 29:12.) If, therefore, there
could always be just men who would
be kings and who would establish
the law of God,
if this could always be the case, then it
would be expedient that ye should always
have kings to rule over you. (Mosiah 29:
13.)
Under such a king, efficient lead-
ership would not be thwarted by the
inherent limitations of the demo-
(Concluded on page 236)
The Protestors of
Christendom
(Continued from page 219)
pOR Cyprian, the baptism perform-
ed by heretics is no baptism be-
cause the Church alone may confer
the Holy Ghost. Moreover how
may one who has not the Holy Ghost
confer it on others? And how may
one be made a member of the Church
who does not share the belief of the
Church. A first council of Carthage
(255) and a second council of
Carthage (256) voted with Cyprian,
but the only passage that has been
preserved of a letter of Stephen,
bishop of Rome, states, "If any one
comes to you from a heretical sect,
you must do nothing contrary to the
tradition in force, you must be con-
tented with the laying of hands on
him for penitence."1 The view that
heretical baptism was no baptism
was also shared by the Donatists.
Most of the different groups claimed
to be the catholic (universal) and
only true church. They were stamp-
ed out by force.47
If Tertullian and Cyprian, the
Donatists and others, were right and
if baptism performed by unbelievers
and non-members is no baptism;48
if baptism by sprinkling is no bap-
tism; and if baptism of infants who
can assume no responsibility for
themselves and for whom no one
else, neither godfather nor god-
mother, can assume any responsi-
bility is no baptism; then revelation,
public and private, would soon cease
because, no one being validly bap-
tized, no one would be in possession
of the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of
Revelation. Revelation and the gifts
of the Spirit did soon cease alto-
gether. Was it because the apostasy
was complete?
( Continued on page 244 )
48Cited by Mourret, Les Ocigines chcetiennes, p. 360.
*7The Catholic Encyclopedia, vol. VIII, article
"Inquisition": "The ecclesiastical ideas of the first
five centuries may be summarized as follows: (1)
the church should for no cause shed blood; and (2)
the majority held that the death penalty for heresy,
when not civilly criminal, was irreconcilable with
the spirit of Christianity."
"A law of 407 . . . asserts for the first time that
these heretics (the Donatists) ought to be put on
the same plane as transgressors against the sacred
majesty of the emperor, a concept to which was re-
served in later times a very momentous role."
Pius the VI claimed the right (1775-1799) "not
merely to direct by counsel and persuasion, but
further to command by laws, and to coerce and com-
pel the delinquent and contumacious by external and
salutary penalties."
4SThe Catholic point of view as formulated by
Augustine and summarized by Battifol, Lc Catholicisme
de Saint Augustine, p. 159 is :"Without doubt the
heretic and the sinner baptize illicitly, they have
not the right to baptize, they usurp the formulas and
the rites of Christ and of the Church. However the
sacraments (sacramenta) are venerable and to be
recognized none the less in their unworthy hands.
For the sacrament to be (valid) it is enough that
the formula be pronounced literally, it matters not
what meaning the minister gives to the terms that
compose it."
miwmmm iiuiiiiiiwiiffiii"™M'iMMa^ mmm —
CONDUCTED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE PRESIDING BISHOPRIC — EDITED BY JOHN D. GILES
APRIL CONFERENCE
PRIESTHOOD MEETINGS
Special meetings for Aaronic Priest-
hood leaders during the April Con-
ference have been planned by the Pre-
siding Bishopric for Monday, April 4.
The Aaronic Priesthood Leadership
Conference at which current problems
are presented for open discussion will
be held in Barratt Hall at 8 a. m. The
regular convention of stake and mission
presidencies, High Councilmen, bish-
oprics, Aaronic Priesthood supervisors
and others interested in Aaronic Priest-
hood supervision will be held in the
Assembly Hall at 4:15 p. m. the same
day. Important new features of the
program for the balance of the year are
to be presented.
AARONIC PRIESTHOOD QUO-
RUM PROJECTS IN THE
CHURCH-WIDE CAMPAIGN
AGAINST LIQUOR AND
CIGARETTES
"Deginning with the 105th anniversary
*-* of the revelation contained in Sec-
tion 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants,
given to the Prophet Joseph Smith,
February 27, 1833, at Kirtland, Ohio,
every quorum of the Aaronic Priest-
hood is asked to conduct a campaign
among its members to have them ob-
serve the Word of Wisdom in every
way. Because liquor and cigarette ad-
vertising is so general, and the tempta-
tions in these two respects are great-
est, special emphasis will be given to
these two items in accord with the
Church-wide campaign now being car-
ried on under the direction of the spe-
cial committee of the quorum of the
Twelve, through the Melchizedek
Priesthood quorums, and the auxiliary
associations.
It is being suggested to all Aaronic
Priesthood Quorum Supervisors that
on the first Sunday available, definite
attention be given to this campaign.
It is further being urged upon every
supervisor that he interest himself in
the individual welfare of every member
of the quorum for which he is re-
sponsible, and in every way possible
encourage observance of the Lord's
law of health.
Particular stress is also being urged
by the Presiding Bishopric in the mat-
ter of the Word of Wisdom feature of
the Standard Quorum Award. It is
urged that a check be made each month
during the year, with each individual
member, in order that this requirement
of the Standard Quorum Award Plan
may be met each month by every mem-
ber of the quorum. The preparation
and distribution of special literature is
also being considered, in the hope that
every member of the Aaronic Priest-
hood throughout the Church shall be
reached in this campaign.
MORE GENERAL USE OF
LESSON GUIDES URGED
fVRDERS received in the office of the
^ Presiding Bishopric for quorum
manuals and lesson guides, indicate that
a large number of wards have not se-
cured manuals for quorum members.
It is desired that the fact be stressed
that it is not sufficient for the quorum
instructor to have the manual, but that
every quorum member should have a
manual of his own, not only for class
purposes, but more particularly for
home study.
The training provided in these man-
uals is indispensable to proper progress
in the Priesthood. It is desired that
a manual secretary be appointed for
each quorum who will secure individual
orders from the members and report
them to the class supervisor.
The manuals contain, not only the
lesson work, but also complete in-
structions and information for the
operation of Aaronic Priesthood quo-
rums. The price of each manual —
Priests, Teachers, and Deacons — is 10c.
All orders should be sent to the Pre-
siding Bishop's Office, 40 North Main
Street, Salt Lake City. The titles of
the manuals for 1937 are: Priests,
Priesthood Studies; Teachers, Priest-
hood, Religion and Success; Deacons,
Deacon's Responsibilities.
AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
MONTHLY STAKE AND
WARD RECORDS
HPhe reports being sent to the stakes
A and wards for recording Aaronic
Priesthood activities have been pro-
vided at considerable expense. After
much thought and deliberation it has
been felt that such a report is indispens-
able to the success and progress of
Aaronic Priesthood quorums in the
stakes and wards.
Unfortunately in some stakes and
wards the responsibility for keeping
proper records and submitting them to
the established authorities has appar-
ently not been fully realized. There-
fore, a special request is being made
that every stake and ward adopt this
report plan and follow it carefully
throughout the year. Special responsi-
bility for the inauguration and super-
vision of this plan rests with stake
chairmen and members of the Stake
Aaronic Priesthood Committee. It is
desired that in each case the stake com-
mittee make clear to the ward super-
visors, and particularly ward chairmen,
the importance of this work, and urge
their wholehearted cooperation.
There is frequent evidence that our
records do not fully reflect the activ-
ities being carried on by the Aaronic
Priesthood throughout the Church.
This is an additional reason why this
report plan should be adopted and fol-
lowed systematically and regularly by
every stake and ward in the Church.
RESTORATION ANNIVERSARY
PLANS COMPLETION URGED
Preparation for the celebration of
■*■ the 109th anniversary of the res-
toration of the Aaronic Priesthood
should be completed by all stakes at an
early date. Where stakes are to give
leadership to general programs all
wards should be informed early.
Where two or more stakes desire
to join, which is permissible if de-
sired, plans should be completed well
in advance. Complete details of sug-
gested programs for both the pilgrimage
suggested for Saturday, May 14, and
the Sacrament service on Sunday, May
15, which is the actual anniversary
date, are printed in all quorum manuals
for this year. The programs appear as
lesson five.
PRIESTHOOD NOTES
r os Angeles stake, with 22 quorums
■^qualifying for the Standard Quo-
rum Award, highest number for any
one stake to date, presented the awards
at the Priesthood session of the stake
conference. Elder Melvin J. Ballard
of the Council of the Twelve Apostles
made the presentations. Elder Faun
L. Hunsaker, stake chairman, in report-
ing the meeting makes the following
comment :
We had a very outstanding Aaronic
Priesthood Conference, during which the
22 awards were presented to the presidents
of the various qualifying quorums.
The attendance at this meeting was noth-
ing less than marvelous. 72% of the total
Aaronic Priesthood enrollment of the stake
were in attendance. There were five (5)
wards who had 100% of their enrollment
present.
The Standard Quorum Award is becom-
ing a great factor in obtaining a better
standard of quorum activity. Our greatest
difficulty, as usual, is to get supervisors
who can be sold on the program, and are
enthusiastic in putting it over with the boys.
We are confident that our problem is not
the boy — but the leadership for him.
Our best results are obtained where the
ward Aaronic Priesthood correlation com-
mittee is active.
Standard Quorum Awards made this
year already exceed the total for the
entire previous year.
Salt Lake stake recently conducted
an Adult Aaronic Priesthood entertain-
ment to raise funds for carrying on this
work. Under a special arrangement
the 16th ward M. I. A. presented a play
235
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
in two wards. The proceeds are to be
used to finance the Security Plan pro-
ject of the adult group. At least five
acres are to be planted to sugar beets.
An effective and well-ordered plan
for interesting all adult members of the
Aaronic Priesthood is now under way
in Long Beach stake. Under the di-
rection of Verne S. Handy a systematic
campaign is being carried on in each of
the wards in a very intensive manner.
Wards are being divided into dis-
tricts with special committeemen as-
signed to each. The slogan "Every
Adult Can and Must Be Reached" is
being put into practical effect.
East Jordan stake publishes a monthly
bulletin patterned after that issued by
the Presiding Bishopric. The percent
of attendance in each activity is shown
with the rating of each ward.
Frequent bulletins, special reports,
and survey forms and close supervision
on the part of the stake committee are
responsible for splendid activity among
the Aaronic Priesthood of Grant stake.
Both the regular quorum groups and
adults are making good progress.
CORRELATION ACTIVITY
SCHEDULES BEING
ADOPTED
"Deports from several stakes indicate
^ that the suggested correlation com-
mittee activity schedule, sample of
which was published in the minutes of
the last Aaronic Priesthood conven-
tion, is being adopted and put into ef-
fect. This schedule includes all ac-
tivities of young men 12 to 20 and is
to be prepared well in advance, pre-
ferably once a year, by the Priesthood,
M. I. A., and Sunday School officers.
Its use by all wards and stakes is urged
as a means of providing a balanced and
coordinated program.
PIONEER FOURTH WARD
PRIESTHOOD ACTIVE
"M[oteworthy activity in Aaronic
*^ Priesthood activity is reported
from the Fourth Ward of Pioneer
stake. The program recommended by
the Presiding Bishopric is being fol-
lowed and a large percent of the avail-
able boys of the ward are active. Out-
standing among the accomplishments
of the Deacons has been the service
during the past year in assisting the
ward to reach the goal of $1.00 per
capita in Fast Offerings.
MESA THIRD WARD DEACONS
HAVE NOVEL PROJECT
"T\eacons of the Mesa Third Ward in
Maricopa Stake adopted a novel
project in the program followed to
earn the Standard Quorum Award.
The boys picked up rocks and rubbish
for several miles along the streets of
Mesa within the ward boundaries.
The Deacons were given the Presiding
Bishop's award for the second con-
secutive year,
236
ABOVE: AARONIC PRIESTHOOD OF FOURTH
WARD, PIONEER STAKE, WHO HAVE AN OUT-
STANDING RECORD IN FAST OFFERING COL-
LECTIONS.
RIGHT: DEACONS OF MESA THIRD WARD,
MARICOPA STAKE, IN WORKING CLOTHES EN-
GAGED IN A QUORUM PROJECT.
THE WORD OF WISDOM REVIEW
A Monthly Presentation of Pertinent Information Regarding the
Lord's Law of Health
Quorum Supervisors are urged to
make opportunity to discuss with
members at frequent intervals, at least
monthly, some phase of the Word of
Wisdom. Matter printed in this de-
partment is intended for that purpose.
During the drive for repeal of the
Eighteenth Amendment it was urged
that repeal would bring prosperity and
end the depression. No such thing has
happened. To the contrary many peo-
ple are convinced that the excessive
use of liquor has been an important
factor in bringing about present busi-
ness conditions. President Grant has
urged frequently, that if the money
spent for liquor and tobacco could be
given to the poor there would be no
relief problem and business generally
would be helped.
Members of the Women's Christian
Temperance Union and the American
Business Men's Research Bureau have
termed the present recession a "whis-
key depression," calling attention to
the fact that the liquor traffic has cost
the public $20,000,000,000 since 1933.
These groups are asking Congress to
provide $50,000,000 to carry on a
campaign against the use of alcohol
as a beverage.
The Keeley Institute of Chicago, a
liquor-cure institution, announces that
the number of persons now taking the
liquor cure is the highest in 30 years.
The number of women taking the cure
increased 33% last year over the year
before.
Several recent murders in Utah and
surrounding states have been traced
to liquor causes. Crime, criminals, and
liquor frequently are associated.
♦ »
Thoughts on Social Mes-
sage of Book of Mormon
(Concluded from page 234)
cratic process. Neither murder nor
plundering nor stealing nor adultery
nor any manner of wickedness
would be tolerated, for the king him-
self would be the spiritual teacher
of his people. He would be at once
a king and a High Priest. His peo-
ple would be free, for he would not
"suffer" that "they should be con-
fined in dungeons" nor that they
"should make slaves one of another."
( Mosiah 2:13.) Such a king would
work with his own hands to ease the
tax burden of the citizens. And at
the end of his days he would con-
sider the hours spent in the service
of his people as spent in the service
of his God. (Mosiah 2:16.)
This is a glimpse of the social
philosophy of the Book of Mormon.
To the believer in the divinity of the
book, it must speak with a voice of
authority on many bewildering so-
cial problems of the day. But even
to the skeptic it should be a signifi-
cant, though hitherto neglected, con-
tribution to American social thought.
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
WARD TEACHER'S MESSAGE, MAY, 1938
THE CENTENNIAL OBSERVANCE OF THE FIRST
REVELATION ON TITHING IN THIS DISPENSATION
(~\n July 8, 1838, at Far West, Missouri, President Joseph Smith inquired
^-^ "O Lord, show unto thy servants how much thou requirest of the
properties of the people for a tithing." In answer to this supplication the
first revelation on the subject of tithing in this dispensation was given. It
is contained in Section 119 of the Doctrine and Covenants.
The one-hundredth anniversary of the revelation of this important law
should be a time of rejoicing and serious reflection by all Latter-day Saints.
The Church and its members — the hundreds of thousands who have been
faithful tithepayers — have been blessed abundantly. Surely "the windows
of heaven" have been opened unto us.
Tithing is probably one of the most definite of all tests of loyalty to the
Church. President Joseph F. Smith said:
By this principle (tithing) the loyalty of the people of this Church shall be put
to the test. By this principle it shall be known who is for the kingdom of God and
who is against it. By this principle it shall be seen whose hearts are set on doing
the will of God, and who are opposed to this principle and have cut themselves off
from the blessings of Zion. There is a great deal of importance connected with this
principle for by it, it shall be known whether we are faithful or unfaithful.
Tithing is nearly always spoken of as a temporal law such as taxes and
donations, but it is more; it is a spiritual as well as a temporal law.
Obedience to the principle of tithing will give as much the true spiritual
development as obedience to any other divine principle of the Gospel.
Obedience to tithing develops strength of character, self-control, self-
denial, love of God. These spiritual blessings irrevocably follow a strict
compliance to the law of tithing.
Giving one-tenth to the Lord with cheerfulness, thanksgiving, and a
prayerful heart will place a person on the permanent record of the Church
as a tithepayer and will, no doubt, bring prosperity, peace of mind, and
spiritual growth.
Application: During the month of May, Teachers are urged to visit every home
in the Church where it is at all possible, to discuss the subject of tithing and to
encourage every member of the Church having income to become full tithepayers.
-u — ii- ■ -n ■ ii-
HEADQUARTERS
FOR ALL L. D. S.
MUSIC
Write for sample copies of the following
new publications —
Condensed version of the popular light
opera
CHIMES OF NORMANDY
Adapted by
J. Spencer Cornwall
and W. O. Robinson
NEW BOOK OF ANTHEMS
By B. Cecil Gates
CHORUSES FOR MALE
VOICES
New arrangements by
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Also all music for Mutuals, Relief So-
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Successors to
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and
Daynes Beebe Music Company
Archaeologists of today are discovering the ruins of
many pre-historic cities.
The inhabitants of these cities left no written records, but
their strange temples stand as mute evidence that they
were EXPERT BUILDERS.
They used BRICK, and the state of preservation of their
ancient structures proves the DURABILITY OF BRICK.
{Build (tfitk. (BhJudk.
INTERSTATE BRICK COMPANY
3180 So. 11th East o o Salt Lake City
The Advertisers of the "Era" Merit Your Patronage.
237
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF THE GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY OF UTAH
JOSEPH FIELDING SMITH,
President and Treasurer.
JOSEPH CHRISTENSON,
Vice President.
ARCHIBALD F. BENNETT,
Secretary and Librarian.
JOHN A. WIDTSOE,
A WILLIAM LUND,
JAMES M. KIRKHAM,
MARK E. PETERSEN,
Directors.
HAROLD J. KIRBY,
Assistant Secretary.
L. GARRETT MYERS,
Assistant Treasurer and
Superintendent of Research
ELLEN HILL,
Assistant Librarian.
Burea
A RECORD OF PROGRESS
Cince the Genealogical Society of
*^ Utah moved into its new quarters
in the Smith Memorial Building in
December, 1933, every department has
grown rapidly and continuously. In
addition to the regular office staff there
are now three full-fledged departments
— the Research Bureau, the Church
Genealogical Archive, and the Library.
The Temple Index Bureau, a separate
department operating directly under the
Church Historian and Recorder, is
housed in the same building, and notices
relating to its activities will also be
included on this page.
The annual report of the secretary
shows that during 1937 nearly twenty
thousand dollars was paid the Research
Department on orders. These research
orders were handled by a staff of sixteen
competent genealogists in the employ
of the society. The archive index con-
tains approximately one and a half mil-
lion index cards, one card being made
for each name in a record. A carefully
arranged cross index directs the search-
er to every volume and page in the
archive records where a particular
name may be found. It is our am-
bition to include in the archive, even-
tually, a complete record of every
member of every family — the most
complete record to be found anywhere.
Each L. D. S. family is invited, and
urged, to place an acceptable copy of
its record in the archive. The cost
is now only lc per name. During 1937,
over nine hundred new records were
added, and more than 106,000 cards.
There are still 19,000 records on hand
to be indexed.
Conventions were held last year in
68 stakes, at which demonstrations were
given of senior and junior genealogical
and temple activities. Numerous
awards were issued for the completion
of assignments. In Rexburg Stake
alone, recently three hundred and four
junior awards were granted. To date,
2,173 junior awards have been sent
from the central office and 2,928 senior
awards.
Memberships in the society and
library attendance are steadily increas-
ing. Life membership certificates issued
total 6,389; annual memberships dur-
ing 1937 number 630. Early in Jan-
238
uary a system of stake research ex-
cursions was inaugurated which had
immediate effect. Over three hundred
annual memberships were issued in Jan-
uary and February. The library is
daily filled to capacity; the number
registering each day during January
and February ranging between 1 50 and
229. On one day 1,756 books were
called for. Two evenings a week —
Wednesday and Thursday — the library
remains open until 9 p. m. Many new
and valuable books have been added,
at a cost of some thousands of dollars
derived from memberships; and it has
been found necessary to enlarge the
library and make other improvements.
Records of the Temple Index Bureau
show that 109,703 temple sheets were
checked last year, bearing a total of
nearly a million names; and from
among these 113,163 duplications were
prevented.
SWEDISH GENEALOGIST
VISITS UTAH
l\fl"iss Ella Heckscher, well-known
*■"• and expert genealogist of Sweden,
the head of a research bureau there,
and one who has searched out the
ancestry of thousands of Latter-day
Saints, arrived in Utah on February
20. During the time of her stay she
was honored at a number of functions,
including a banquet at the Lion House
given by Mrs. Julia M. Brixen, the
hostess of Miss Heckscher while in
Utah; a meeting in the 27th Ward
under the auspices of the Swedish Gen-
ealogical Society which she addressed
in Swedish; a public meeting in Barratt
Hall sponsored by the Genealogical So-
ciety of Utah, where she spoke in
English; and a typically Swedish
"smorgassbord" — a little bit of Sweden
— given by Miss Frida Edling at the
Belvedere Lounge. General authorities
who were guests at this last reception
included President Heber J. Grant,
President Rudger Clawson, Elders
Stephen L. Richards, John A. Widtsoe,
Charles A. Callis, and Albert E. Bowen,
President Samuel O. Bennion, and also
President Louise Y. Robison of the
Relief Society and her counselors.
Elder Widtsoe acted as toastmaster;
and the musical program was under the
direction of Mrs. Lucy Gates Bowen.
Miss Heckscher also gave addresses
at Logan and Ogden.
She reported the interest in tracing
ancestry exceptionally keen in Sweden
and among people of Swedish descent
in America. Among the chief sources
of information are the church registers
of about 2,550 parishes, but she enu-
merated many additional sources. An
enlightening explanation was given of
the vagaries of Swedish surnames, par-
ticularly the anomalous method of sol-
diers taking the name of the croft they
occupied during their term of service
as their surname, which is confusing
to the genealogist. "If a man, for
example, lived in Tandela soldier croft,
his name was Tanderfelt, but if he
moved to Husby soldier croft, even if
it was located within the same parish,
he was called Husberg, etc. Conse-
quently, the self-same man might have
many different surnames during his
lifetime."
After giving a comprehensive de-
scription of the documents of value in
tracing ancestry, she made these sug-
gestions to those desiring research :
1. Give all dates known regarding the
person whose genealogy you are asking
for. If you have kept any old letters be-
longing to him, send them with your order;
they are often very valuable in giving in-
formation regarding the starting-point.
2. If you yourself were born in Sweden,
mention when and where born, and also
your relationship to the person whose gene-
alogy you are seeking.
3. For the sake of your descendants, I
must recommend you to write the names
and, if possible, the address on pictures
you have of relatives and friends, and also
that you note all names and dates regard-
ing yourself and your family, so they will
be well-preserved. In olden times in
Sweden a Bible was used, and in my opin-
ion it is a worthy way to keep the family
history. This Bible was inherited from
father to son, and every new generation
added dates and names regarding their
family.
Her interesting lecture will be printed
in the July issue of the Utah Genealog-
ical and Historical Magazine.
General Superintendency
Y. M. M. I. A.
GEORGE Q. MORRIS
JOSEPH J. CANNON
BURTON K. FARNSWORTH
OSCAR A. KIRKHAM,
Executive Secretary
General Offices Y. M. M. I. A.
50 NORTH MAIN STREET
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
General Offices Y. W. M. I. A.
33 BISHOP'S BUILDING
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
Send all Correspondence to Committees Direct to General Offices
General Presidency
Y. W. M. I. A.
LUCY GRANT CANNON
HELEN S. WILLIAMS
VERNA W. GODDARD
CLARISSA A. BEESLEY.
Executive Secretary
dcecidiim.
'T'wo things stand out as of supreme
■"■ importance to M. I. A. Executives
during April.
First: Classes are getting "Spring
Fever." The days are getting long,
and gardens and the out of doors are
calling. What can we do to keep at-
tendance up? Unless energy and
planning are manifest for attendance,
there will be a lag week by week until
there is almost a "fade out" at the close
of the season. Here are some hints for
keeping the classes alive.
1 . Study the group interest and cap-
italize on it. If the members are book
lovers, bring in, in connection with
manual lessons, a series of book reports
of outstanding book reviewers. If the
members go strong for socials, now is
the time to let different ones entertain
the others at the close of the class. If
the group are enthusiastic for gardening
or flowers or home beautiflcation, have
short talks by landscape artists or
gardeners supplementing the lesson
work. In other words study your
group and "feed my sheep."
2. Look for good publicity, have an
alert class committee do publicity con-
stantly. Scouts should bring to the
halls Tuesday afternoons a printed or
written program. The membership
committee could get busy on the tele-
phone, reminding the members of the
class and urging their attendance. Have
class members greet all whom they
meet during the week with such ex-
pressions as, "We'll see you at M. I. A.
Tuesday night." Coin slogans to catch
the M. I. A. members. It can be done.
You can do it. Keep eternally vigilant
and you will reap much happiness.
The second pressing problem in April
is to keep fully organized. If resigna-
tions occur early in the year they are
immediately replaced. If they occur
towards the end of the year many ex-
ecutives are inclined to try and get
along without them. Our thoughts in
such cases are on the finish, rather than
on the program. Let's get the idea
there is no finish. One year's work
flows imperceptibly into the next. Time
moves on. We must keep completely
organized always. Otherwise the work
crowds us, it becomes tedious, tiresome,
and irksome. Keep fully organized,
keep up enthusiasm, keep eternally
vigilant, and you will keep attendance
at high-tide.
CONJOINT PROGRAM FOR
SUNDAY EVENING, MAY 1ST
The Cultural Life
HpHis is a program that ward asso-
ciations will probably wish to out-
line for themselves.
Several brief talks may be given on
such topics as —
Culture through Music.
Culture through Literature.
The Cradle of Culture — the Home.
The Refining Influence of the Gos-
pel.
Intersperse these talks with music,
scripture reading, short stories.
Axel A. Madsen and Grace C. Neslen, chairmen:
Richard L. Evans, Dr. L. A. Stevenson, Aurelia
Bennion, Gladys E. Harbertson.
A WORD TO ADULT LEADERS
HPhe monthly leadership training
"*■ meetings held in every stake con-
ducted by the stake board are indis-
pensable to the carrying forward of
the M. I. A. program. The stake Adult
leaders with their great responsibility
of being teachers of teachers must come
before their classes, first of all, able to
give inspiration and encouragement to
the ward leaders and in addition with
definite material, planned and outlined
for the month, to hand to these leaders
in order that they in turn may carry this
same help and inspiration back to their
class members. Something new for
each month's work should be the aim
of every Adult leader.
Painstaking and thorough prepara-
tion with a spiritual glow are essential
to carry the Book of Mormon lessons
forward impressively and successfully.
This Book of Mormon study offers rich
and extensive helps in the matter of
supplemental material, because of the
interesting verifications which are so
rapidly being brought forth by both
members and non-members of the
Church, and the Adult leaders must
be on the alert to get new and interest-
ing facts that add to the fine material
given in our manual. These manual
lessons, if they accomplish their pur-
pose, will bring to the Adult member-
ship of the Church additional literature
which will enrich their knowledge of
the Book of Mormon, and will help
them to obtain that testimony of the
truth of this sacred book, which is
promised by Moroni in the last chapter
of the Book of Mormon:
And when ye shall receive these things,
I would exhort you that ye would ask God,
the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ,
if these things are not true; and if ye shall
ask with a sincere heart, with real intent,
having faith in Christ, He will manifest the
truth of it unto you, by the power of the
Holy Ghost.
Let us hope that the last lessons in
this course, will be the best, and that
through prayer and thorough prepara-
tion, the Adult leaders of the M. I. A.
will put such enthusiasm and spirit into
this work that the membership of this
group will leave at the end of the sea-
son, with great spiritual and mental
enrichment and renewed faith in this
sacred book.
The Adult beautification project de-
serves a further word as Arbor Day
approaches. "We will raise the cul-
tural tone of our surroundings by beau-
tifying our homes, our places of wor-
ship, and our communities."
Several organizations and commun-
ities have already started such projects.
The Salt Lake Flower Club has chosen
Point Lookout at the mouth of Parley's
Canyon for its beautification project.
The club is placing a fountain and
planting shrubbery around the spot.
What a welcome to tourists and what
an invitation to stop for a view of the
beautiful valley!
With the idea of a 1947 anniversary,
the state of Utah is working out a plan
of beautification by which trees and
shrubs are planted along the highway.
Perhaps your Adult class cooperating
with your city authorities can select
some place in or near your city to
beautify and to further the general plan
of your state and community. The
Adult committee would be glad to know
of any other project that is being
worked on at the present time or that
is being planned for the future.
We refer you to previous articles in
the Eta for December 1937, and March
1938, with their references to books
and magazines.
Sm/ou
Dr. L. L. Daines and Hazel Brockbank, chairmen;
H. R. Merrill, Dr. George H. Hansen, Polly R.
Hardy, Vella H. Wetzel.
Cpring is with us once again. It is
*^ time now for Senior class leaders to
prepare for a grand close of their year's
activity. The committee of the Gen-
eral Board has been very much pleased
to learn that in many parts of the
Church excellent class meetings as well
239
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
as class activities have been held.
During the closing weeks of class
work is a good time to organize for
summer activity. Committees to carry
on for the coming summer should now
be appointed in order that the responsi-
bility for carrying on the work may be
definitely placed. The General Board
is rounding into concluding shape a
summer program that should be at-
tractive in every ward of the Church.
Spring, especially in many of the
stakes and wards, is a grand time for
out-of-door activities. Soft ball, horse
shoe, hikes, nature excursions are all
in order. In regions where segoes
grow in abundance, an excursion for
segoes, the friends of the pioneers,
might offer variety and interest. An
old time dinner on the hills would be a
splendid conclusion for such an ex-
cursion—water cress, boiled or fried
eggs, dough cooked on sticks around
a fire, beef steak broiled on grids or
hot rocks, sour-dough bread cooked in
a bake oven.
fact we encourage its use as a means
of keeping up interest and attendance.
We suggest that contests be organized
in any or all the following games:
tennis, badminton, ping pong, soft ball,
horse shoe. Ward and stake tourna-
ments should be organized at once by
the ward and stake M Men leaders.
Church finals will be held in tennis
and soft ball in Salt Lake City just
prior to and during the June Confer-
ence. Church finals in ping pong and
badminton could likewise be arranged
if there be sufficient demand. The
same rules and regulations as to eligi-
bility and procedure are in force as for
basketball and the same official stake
and district organizations will function
to carry these activities to a successful
conclusion. Detailed rules and sug-
gestions are given in the M Men Man-
ual and Handbook for 1937-1938.
Frank W. McGhie, chairman; Dr. Franklin S.
Harris. Homer C. Warner, Floyed G. Eyre,
Werner Kiepe, Dr. Wayne B. Hales.
SPRING ACTIVITIES
'T'hose who saw the recent M Men
basketball tournament in the Des-
eret Gymnasium, where 16 teams
matched strength and skill and sports-
manship, will agree that it was a great
display of the quality of the young
manhood of the Mormon people.
These 16 teams were representatives
of nearly a thousand other teams, five
thousand other players and ten thou-
sand other M Men over the Church.
The M Men basketball league is spoken
of by sport officials as the largest of
its kind in the world. Little wonder
then that those men who came to the
finals should feel the joy of achieve-
ment, the thrills of victory — and, we
hope, the sense of responsibility to
"carry on." "Every victory," said the
late Theodore Roosevelt, 'just clears
the field for a new battle."
Those who have to do with the
leadership in this great organization ap-
preciate the fact that basketball and
other athletic contests are just means
to greater ends. It is true that a strong,
well-trained body is a decided element
which makes for success— yet we must
not forget the importance of a well-
informed and disciplined mind, a cul-
tured and agreeable sociability, and a
reverent and humble spirituality as suc-
cess factors. The object of our regular
class and lesson work and of the dra-
matics, music, and dancing included in
our program is to furnish opportunity
to develop a well-integrated person-
ality. The class leader will emphasize
these phases of our work during the
coming two months.
Of course athletics must not be
eliminated from our spring program. In
240
Katie C. Jensen, chairman; Freda Jensen, Grace
Nixon Stewart, Helena W. Larson.
AflANY of the ward M Men-Gleaner
banquets are yet to be held and
probably many of the Gleaner Girls
are still pondering how to raise money
for them. How about taking orders
for home-made cakes, bread, cookies,
etc., to be delivered to ward members
on a certain date, or establishing a
nursemaid bureau where mothers could
get girls to help them at a moment's
notice, each girl's wages to pay for her
own plate at the banquet?
As a means of raising money for their
banquet, the Gleaner Girls of Whittier
Ward gave a novel dancing party in
their amusement hall, February 10.
Fifty tables were arranged around the
edge of the dance floor and on the
stage. Each was decorated with valen-
tines and marked with the girl's name
who had reserved it. Tall floor lamps,
ferns, and flowers helped give at-
mosphere. Five younger girls dressed
in white uniforms acted as ushers and
during the floor show served punch,
cookies, nuts, and candy to each guest.
The show was unusually delightful be-
cause everyone was seated at his table
comfortably and could see and hear
perfectly. The girls made thirty dol-
lars' profit on this lovely affair, which
means that every Gleaner in Whittier
Ward will be able to attend the stake
banquet.
Your Gleaner Committee is delight-
ed with the questionnaires that have
been received so far. When all are
returned and the results compiled, it
will be much easier to plan Gleaner
programs, lessons, and activities to suit
your needs.
reetings, M Men, Gleaners, and
Leaders :
As we visit joint study groups, ban-
quets, dinner dances, and Valentine
parties, we are indeed proud of the
work being done in our stakes and
wards. Surely the youth of today is
living up to this great opportunity of
leadership.
"I will have a peculiar people" so
sayeth the Lord. Did He mean that He
would have a people who lived accord-
ing to His suggestion by way of the
Word of Wisdom and obedience to
His moral law?
Let us go together on some Tuesday
night and visit the Ward,
where 97 M Men-Gleaners are in ses-
sion. The M Man president may be
presiding; the Gleaner president con-
ducting the discussion. By the ex-
pression on the earnest faces of the
members of the group, one may know
they have caught the fire of entnusiasm
and are thinking along with the speak-
ers. Will they be discussing voca-
tions, social relations, morals, religion?
Or will the lessons on temperance be
the theme of the evening? It will not
matter which of the subjects mentioned
above is taken that night because by
the end of the winter and spring quar-
ters the manual will be finished and it
contains a treatise on all of the subjects.
Will youth find its way through the
fog of worldly misunderstandings and
false ideas? Will it come out with
higher ideals and aspirations? Will
it know more about temple marriage
and have a wise conception of the law
of health by avoiding the use of to-
bacco and intoxicating liquors? Will
the young people have discovered
themselves, their abilities, their strength,
and their goal? With the poet ques-
tioner let us say:
Couldst thou in vision see thyself as the
God meant
Thou never more would be the one thou
art — content.
LEADERS
A T this time of year are you looking
■**■ forward to a program for May,
June, July, and August/ Undoubtedly,
your group will carry on with outings,
picnics, hikes, summer parties, sunrise
and sunset services. Don't let the
young people lose each other because
of summer. Youth will lead out in
these things if encouraged to do so —
but are you standing by to help when
you are needed— to spur them on when
they grow faint-hearted? Are you there
to help them make decision as to the
appropriateness and fitness of things?
The youth of today is the greatness
of tomorrow. To youth, yesterday is
a dream; today, is reality; tomorrow
is a wonderful vision. Have you made
youth want goodness? Have you made
youth want to be great? Wanting is
important, for in a man's wanting lies
his giant self.
Good luck and happiness in your
work.
Your M Men-Gleaner Committee.
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
John D. Giles, chairman; M. Elmer Christensen.
LIBERTY FIRST WARD
VANBALL CHAMPIONS
npHE Explorers' vanball team, First
■*■ Ward of Liberty Stake, claimed
highest honors in the seventh inter-
mountain championships played in Salt
Lake City, February 25 and 26. The
contest was decided only after Logan
Ninth Ward of Cache Stake had
staged a magnificent battle for the win-
ner s crown. Five courts were used in
the tournament with the final games
being played on the main floor of the
Deseret Gymnasium.
Teams that were declared victors in
the local council games and entered the
inter-mountain tournament were Idaho
Falls 4th Ward, Logan 1st, 5th, and
7th, Ogden 7th, Richfield 2nd, Lewis-
ville, Pocatello 3rd, Mill Creek, Clin-
ton, Emigration, Provo 6th, Fairview,
Wyoming, Fairview, Utah, and Salt
Lake 10th. Logan 5th Ward, defend-
ing champions, finished in third place.
The games were conducted under the
direction of the Scout Executives of
Teton Peaks, Tendoy, Cache Valley,
Ogden, Salt Lake and Utah National
Parks councils with the General Board
of the Y. M. M. I. A. cooperating.
"pxPLORERS of Waterloo ward in
*-J Wells stake took highest honors
in the Salt Lake Council Explorers
snow "moot" held in February. One of
the outstanding Explorer groups of the
Church, this troop of young men repre-
sents the development of the Explorer
program which is now rapidly develop-
ing in most of the stakes and wards of
the Church.
%J
(UfUOU
Marba C. Josephson, chairman; Lucile T. Buehner,
Emily H. Bennett.
JOINT EXPLORER- JUNIOR
LESSON
TVAany of you have held your Junior-
i"A Explorer parties and undoubtedly
feel that there is great necessity to in-
crease the joint social activity of this
age group. We are also eager to have
the boys and girls of this age learn
how to cooperate in ways other than
purely social. For that reason, this
year there has been inserted into the
program one joint lesson night. The
material for this lesson is vital and
necessary and is in keeping with the
Church plan to stress the need for
observing the Word of Wisdom.
The plan has been to hold a panel
discussion, allowing both Explorers and
Juniors to ask questions and talk freely
to the problem, with of course a ma-
ture person, preferably one of the lead-
ers, in charge and directing the activity
and making a summary.
The Health Digest of January, 1938,
Top: Vanball team of First
Ward, Liberty Stake Inter-
mountain Champions.
Center: Vanball team of
Logan 9th Ward, Cache Stake,
runners-up in Intermountain
championship.
Bottom: Explorer troop of
Waterloo Ward, Wells stake,
winners in Salt Lake Council
Snow "Moot."
has several worthy articles concerning
the evils of liquor and tobacco.
O
D. E. Hammond, chairman; Philo T. Farnsworth,
Arthur E. Peterson.
SILVER JUBILEE ANNIVERSARY
OF SCOUTING IN THE CHURCH
7V n outstanding feature of the coming
*"* June Conference of the M. I. A.
(June 10-12) will be the observance of
the Silver Jubilee Anniversary of Scout-
ing in the L. D. S. Church. The orig-
inal charter covering the year begin-
ning May 21, 1913, is now in the Gen-
eral Office of the Y. M. M. I. A.
In the meantime, in preparation for
our great celebration, we are anxious
to bring every possible boy into Scout-
ing and to exceed even the outstanding
records we have made in the past. The
Church-wide campaign to accomplish
this, which was inaugurated by the
"Flying Squadron" recently, will con-
tinue to June 1. Special awards are to
be made at the Jubilee to every stake
and ward reaching the standards set up
for this purpose.
For Stake Awards
A special Silver Jubilee Certificate
of suitable size to be framed and hung
in stake headquarters will be given to
each stake meeting the following re-
quirements :
First: A complete stake organization
covering both Scouting and Exploring to
be organized under the Y. M. M. I. A.
according to the plan outlined in Scouting
in the L. D. S. Church. (Page 15.)
Second: A registered Scout Troop in
every ward in the stake. (In wards with
fewer than 8 boys a Neighborhood Patrol
will be accepted.)
Third: A registered Explorer Troop in
fifty per cent or more of the wards having
twelve or more boys available between
the ages of fifteen and seventeen.
(Concluded on page 242)
241
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
(Concluded from page 241)
Fourth: Three out of every five boys in
the stake between the ages of twelve and
seventeen to be registered.
Wards or Branches
A special Silver Jubilee Certificate of
suitable size to be framed and hung in
the ward chapel, recreation hall, or
Scout room will be given to every ward
meeting the following requirements:
First: A complete Scout Organization
under the Y. M. M. I. A. including both
Scouting and Exploring as outlined in
Scouting in the L. D. S. Church. (Page
17->
Second: A registered Scout Troop.
Third: A registered Explorer Troop, if
twelve or more boys are available.
Fourth: Three out of every five boys
to be registered in either the Scout or Ex-
plorer unit. If more than three out of every
five boys are now registered, one new
Scout must be secured for each Patrol,
unless all available boys are registered.
Fifth: A troop good turn in which
seventy-five per cent or more of the mem-
bers participate to be done for the sponsor-
ing institution, which is the ward, or to the
community.
Sixth: Seventy-five per cent or more of
the registered boys to be enrolled and active
in Aaronic Priesthood Quorums and Sun-
day School, or if non-members, to be active
in religious duties provided by their own
churches.
Special Award
A special award and special recogni-
tion in the Silver Jubilee Service in the
Tabernacle will be given to every ward
which has every boy from twelve to
seventeen registered, provided that ade-
quate leadership has also been pro-
vided— A Scoutmaster and assistant for
the first three patrols and an assistant
Scoutmaster for each additional patrol.
Note
It is understood that twelve to seven-
teen used herein means boys having
passed their twelfth birthday and not
having reached their seventeenth birth-
day.
Participation of Scouts
and Explorers
Every registered troop in the Church
— both Scout and Explorer — is invited
to send a representative registered uni-
formed Scout as its official delegate to
the Silver Jubilee Celebration. Dele-
gates are to be selected in any manner
agreed upon by the troop. In cases
where troops do not desire to send
delegates the stake committee is author-
ized to select other delegates to repre-
sent such troop.
Each Stake will be invited to send a
representative registered uniformed
Scout as a stake delegate to represent
the stake in all official events as leader
of the stake delegation.
All Scouts selected as delegates are
to be observers of the Scout Oath and
Law as interpreted by the L. D. S.
Church (note particularly the first part
of the Oath and the Twelfth point of
the law).
Sincerely,
Gen. Superintendency of Y. M. M. I. A.
Geo. Q. Morris,
General Superintendent.
Ethel S. Anderson, chairman: Margaret N. Wells,
Bertha K. Tingey, Ileen Ann Waspe. Lucy T.
Andersen, Caroline Adams.
"\I7e hope all Bee-Hive girls are now
** wearing their bands. It isn't
necessary for them to wear them every
night. A box or large envelope will
be a good place to keep them along
with other Bee-Hive supplies, such as
scissors, notebooks, pencils, needles,
thread, thimble, clippings. If this is
done, awards can be sewed on in class
as soon as they are given. The bands
should be used in all public demonstra-
tions when acting as ushers on Bee-
Hive night and Swarm Days.
(Continued from page 215)
They were seated around one
table. While their dinner was being
served they slipped away in between
courses to dance on the small space
in the center of the room. Each
time Warner danced with Anne he
made some gay remark that made a
little quiver of happiness run through
her heart, although she couldn't help
thinking that he said pretty things
so easily he must have said them
very often.
Once, however, he became rather
serious and asked: "What do you
do?"
"Nothing at all exciting," Anne
answered. "I help mother in the
house. Just lately I've been picking
loads of strawberries in the garden
and I play the organ in church. I've
finished high school, of course, and
next year I plan on going to college."
She couldn't help thinking how
stupid it all sounded and how much
she would have liked to have said,
"I draw those brilliant posters you
see in Lake's Emporium," or "I am
the girl who plays those organ re-
citals you hear every day on the
radio at noon."
"I like the part about the straw-
berries the best," he answered.
"Only I should have to say, 'I eat
bushels of strawberries every day.'
242
A GOOD SPORT
When you come up to college, you
must be sure to let me know and
I'll stand on the front steps and give
you the official welcome and tell you
what profs to avoid so that you can
always get good grades. Will you
promise to let me know?"
"Will I?" said Anne, her eyes
sparkling. "I'll drop you a card and
say, 'Anne, the lass from the coun-
try, will arrive on the steps of learn-
ing at 2 p. m. next Monday. Please
be on hand to brush the hay leaves
from her coat and show her the way
to the book store."
"I've been noticing the leaves on
this dress all evening," said Warner
brushing his hand lightly over her
sleeve, "only I should call them rose
leaves instead."
Anne's face was flushed with hap-
piness as they walked back to join
the others at the table, but as they
came closer she stopped short and
the light left her eyes. Six glasses
filled with an orange-colored drink
stood upon the table and Larry was
adding to each glass from a small
flask. "Not for me, thank you," she
said quietly as he reached for the
glass at her place.
"All right, sister," he said with an
attempt to be humorous. "All the
more for me." Lifting up his glass
he recited:
There once was a small town maid
Who was ever and ever so staid
But a friendly gink
Offered her a small drink
And frightened the staid little maid.
The laugh that followed was
general except for Warner. Mar-
jorie almost shrieked and said im-
mediately: "Oh, Larry, you're so
funny. Make one up about me."
Larry obliged and Anne sat back,
feeling aloof and miserable. The
evening had been entirely spoiled
for her now, and she supposed that
she had certainly added nothing to
the enjoyment of the others. She
had failed to be what they called "a
good sport" but she couldn't help it
and she didn't care. She wasn't
(Continued on page 252)
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THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
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StRtlONS
The "Era" Believes in the Goods and Services of Its Advertisers.
243
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
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H. W. NAYLOR CO., MORRIS, N. Y.
244
The Protestors of
Christendom
(Continued from page 234)
Neither did the sacrament escape
profound modification.
When Jesus said, "Take, eat; this
is my body," there was little likeli-
hood that His statement would be
considered otherwise than as a figure
of speech. However, it came in
time to be misunderstood and the
sacrament to be considered a means
of securing the forgiveness of sins.
Justin, it would appear, still un-
derstood the true significance of the
sacrament. He writes: "He speaks
also in this prophecy of the 'bread'
which our Christ commanded us to
do in remembrance of the fact that
He became flesh for those who be-
lieve in Him ( for whom also He let
Himself suffer ) , and of the cup that
in remembrance of His blood . . ."**
The Didache or the Teaching of
the Twelve speaks also of the sac-
rament.40
f~\F these early centuries, there is
no formula of the sacramental
prayer that has come down to the
present. Did the Savior Himself or
through His Apostles give a set form
for the prayer used in blessing the
sacrament? If He did, what was
the primitive formula out of which
the various forms used in Christian
church services grew? Mourret, the
"Justin, Dialogue with Trgpho, LXX, 4.
"The Didache or The Teaching of the Twelve IX,
X: "And concerning the Eucharist, hold Eucharist
thus: First concerning the Cup, 'We give thanks to
thee our Father, for the Holy Vine of David thy
child, which, thou didst make known to us through
Jesus thy child: to thee be glory forever.' And con-
cerning the broken bread 'We give thee thanks, our
Father, for the life and knowledge which thou didst
make known to us through Jesus thy child. To thee
be glory forever. As this broken bread was scattered
upon the mountains, but was brought together and
was made one, so let thy church be gathered to-
gether from the ends of earth into thy kingdom, for
thine is the glory and the power through Jesus
Christ for ever.' But let none eat and drink of your
Eucharist except those who have been baptized in the
Lord's name. For concerning this also did the
Lord say, 'Give not that which is holy to the dogs.'
"But after you are satisfied with food, thus give
thanks: 'We give thanks to thee, O Holy Father,
for thy Holy Name which thou didst make to taber-
nacle in our hearts, and to the knowledge and faith
and immortality which thou didst make known unto
us through Jesus thy child. To thee be glory forever.
Thou, Lord Almighty, didst create all things for thy
Name's sake, and didst give food and drink to men
for their enjoyment, that they might give thanks to
thee, but us hast thou blessed with spiritual food and
drink and eternal light through thy Child. Above
all we give thanks unto thee for that thou art mighty.
To thee be glory forever. Remember, Lord, thy
Church, to deliver it from all evil and to make it
perfect in thy love, and gather it together in its
holiness from the four winds to thv kingdom which
thou hast prepared for it. For thine is the power
and the glory forever. Let grace come and let
thy world pass away. Hosannah to the God of
David. If any man be holy, let him cornel if any
man be not, let him repent: Maran atha (Our Lord
come). Amen." (Kirsopp Lake translation.)
learned Catholic church historian,
says that this question seemed im-
possible of solution until recent
years, but that the discovery of pre-
cious documents and long and pa-
tient work on the part of Dom Paul
Cagin seems to have brought an
answer.
Cagin compared five of these
documents with each other, among
them Latin fragments from Verona,
and "The Testament of our Lord,"
a Syriac manuscript published for
the first time in 1 899. He observed
wherein these five independent docu-
ments agree and wherein they dis-
agree. The disagreements repre-
sent additions to the original prayer;
the things wherein they agree go
back to a common source. Con-
cerning this common source, Cagin
writes: "Whether it be, moreover,
from the precept and example of the
Lord, or from the concerted prescrip-
tion of the Apostles and from their
common initial practice, or from the
authority of their leader and his first
successors, that this mysterious
unanimity proceeds and, at so early
a date, so universal in all of the
forms, it must come from somewhere,
This is the time to think of
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L
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At any Barber or Beau-
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Patronize the "Era's" Advertisers.
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
and it can come only from one or the
other of these three sources."51
Concerning each of the following
points, and no others, he says the
testimony of all of the witnesses
(documents) is in complete agree-
ment:
I. Memores tgitur mortis et resurrec-
tionis ejus
Mindful therefore of the death and
resurrection of him
II. Offerimus tibi partem et calicem
gvatias tibi agentes
We offer to thee bread and cup
thanks to thee expressing
III. Quia nos dignos habuisti
Because us worthy you considered
IV. Adstare coran te et tibi ministrace
To stand before thee and thee to
serve
V. er petimus
and we ask
VI. ut mittas Spicitum tuum Sanctum
that thou sendest Spirit thy Holy
VII, super oblationem sanctae Ecclesiae
upon (the) offering of thy Holy
Church
VIII. in unum congcegans des omnibus
{sanctis — at end of line below)
in one gathering give to all saints
IX. qui peccipiunt Sanctis
who partake (of it)
X. in repletionem Spicitus Sancti, etc.
in fulness of Holy Spirit, etc.
In addition to these five forms, it
is of interest to compare a sixth : the
(Continued on page 246)
"Paul C»gln, L'Eucharistia, Canon primitif dt la.
Messe. ou Formulaire essentiel et primitif de toutts
Its Liturgies, p. 30.
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245
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
DON'T ATTEND THE APRIL CONFERENCE WITHOUT SEEING AND
HEARING
THE NEW
HAMMOND ORGAN
The cost is about the same
as a fine piano I
On display all day, every day during Conference
at our store, under the direction of Mr. Seldon Heaps,
organist.
The most wonderful invention of our agel No reeds
or pipes, never gets out of tunel Only takes up a
little over four feet square of space!
OVER 1500 CHURCHES, EXCLUDING MANY L. D. S. WARDS, ARE
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74 So. Main St.
2546 Washington Ave.
Ogden, Utah
AMERICAN SMELTING & REFINING CO.
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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
Address correspondence
as follows:
American Smelting
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700 McCornick
Building
Purchasers of
Gold, Silver, Lead and Copper Ore
and Smelter Products
Consign all ore shipments to:
American Smelting and Refining Company
Ship Lead Ores to Murray Plant, Murray, Utah
Ship Copper and Siliceous Ores to Garfield Plant,
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Attractive and useful Handmade ar-
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The Protestors of
Christendom
{Continued from page 245)
sacramental prayer for the bread in
the Book of Mormon. This form
was published before anyone from
historical sources could have had a
glimmer of an idea of the original
sacramental prayer used by the
Apostles. That which is common
to the five documents compared by
Cagin is placed in the left hand
column (omitting repetitions) and
the corresponding part of the Book
of Mormon prayer in the right hand
column:
Mindful therefore
of his death and
resurrection
Because thou hast
considered u s
worthy to stand be-
fore thee and to
serve
give to all the saints
congregating to-
gether and who
partake (of the
sacrament) a full-
ness of Thy Holy
Spirit.
That they may eat
in remembrance of
the body of thy
Son
and witness unto
thee that they are
willing to take upon
them the name of
thy Son and . . .
always keep His
commandments
that they may al-
ways have H i s
Spirit to be with
them.
Of the original prayer as restored
by him Cagin says: "It is impos-
sible to say more in fewer words
charged with more meaning."" This
is also true of the Book of Mormon
prayer,
Cagin says that the agreement of
the five documents he compares can
be explained in one way and in one
way only: they go back to a com-
mon source. How is the agreement
of the sixth, the Book of Mormon
prayer, to be explained? Does it
go back to a common source? And
what is that source?
62Paul Cagin, L'Eucharistia, Canon primitif de la
Messe ou Formulaire essentiel et premier de routes
les Liturgies, pp. 30, 31,
246
Mention the "Era'
Beckoning Roads
(Continued from page 209)
and felt he was irritated with her
for coming. In the kitchen the cook
was clearing away the remains of
a hearty breakfast.
He led her into a diningroom
that had the appearance of having
never been used, then through a
wide hall and up an open stairway.
At the head of the stairs he opened
a door on the right and placed her
bag within.
"Here you are. Be as comfort-
able as you can. Mrs. Chris will
give you something to eat. See you
later."
(Continued on page 248)
When You Purchase These Goods or Services
fcxpl&twjc^ thsL lAmv&MiL
By FRANKLIN S. HARRIS, JR.
HPhe virus cause of measles can now
•*■ be seen under the microscope by
first staining with a black dye, nigro-
sine. As a result of this discovery
measles can not only be diagnosed three
days before the rash appears, but car-
riers of the virus, who might infect
others, can be detected also.
"VTew careful experiments show how
^ the stomach may be disturbed by
the emotions. Eating much before
rushing for a train, entering an exam,
when not feeling well or when physi-
cally exhausted, can be seen to be un-
wise. When so disturbed the pylorus,
or muscular valve, closes and the con-
tents are kept in the stomach with a
sensation of heaviness, stretching, and
acid rising resulting.
HpHOUGH fewer decayed teeth have
•*• been found in the older skulls,
ancient men, too, had trouble with
their teeth, and primitive men today are
not free from toothaches and the holes
and faults that cause them. In our
civilization, experiments on school
children show that constant candy eat-
ing dissolves the enamel, roughens
teeth, and starts cavities.
Tn the million stutterers in the United
A States, there are more men than
women. Since the male mind sometimes
clings to one idea too long, the male
tongue twists words two to ten times
oftener than the female.
/^V round sawdust and mill waste can
^ be squeezed into hard dense pro-
ducts that are stronger than the wood
made by nature.
Coap made from fat that comes from
^ coal is now on sale in Germany,
at a price slightly higher than that made
from animal or plant fats.
/^arbon dioxide has two new useful
^ applications. Inhalations of the
gas may prove useful in the treatment
of epilepsy. Incandescent lamps filled
with this gas give an artificial light
claimed to be superior to any previous
type of artificial daylight lamp, even
being suitable for the difficult test of
matching colors.
4
A new process of drying vegetables
**■ by first soaking then drying rapidly
and thoroughly has been developed.
Chemicals which do not harm the vege-
tables are added to help in soaking up
more water. The extra water makes
it easier to press out the moisture, be-
fore drying for a day and a half at
room temperature.
<♦
A growth hormone in trees seems to
*"* be responsible for the trees' be-
ginning to grow each spring. Botanists
found the greatest amount of the hor-
mone in the shoots and buds during
the months of April, May, and June
when the growth was fastest. Extra
hormone was found at points from
which fruit would soon begin to grow.
«♦
Tirade between North and South
■*■ America in ancient times is shown
by articles made in Peru but found in
Mexico, reports Science Service.
Courses of Interest to M. L A. Workers
in 1938
University of Utah Summer Session
QunsL
fyujnsL 26 io duqu&t
, ■ r -t^MIA will find courses suitable for Recreational Directors,
Directors of «^££^2i in the following departments:
ART GEOLOGY
«ra nrv MUSIC
BIOLOGY PHYSICAL EDUCATION
£KONU30«) SPEECH<Dra»KdicsandPubUcAddress)
Better understanding d ^^^SSi^KS
Send for Bulletin. Address the President
UNIVERSITY OF UTAH, Salt Lake City. Utah
247
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
Beckoning Roads
(Continued /rom page 246)
R
GOLDENE
a
BOTTLED.
m GflS
morning had been so perfect and
now everything was all wrong. Then
she stiffened mentally. The sharp-
ancy, inside the room, ness between father and son must
felt a sudden inclination to cry. The not affect her. They could disagree
all they pleased but
she must hold her
work. She must.
This wasn't the
first time she had
had to put up with
unpleasant condi-
tions; but she had
thought this class
— hold on. What
was it Pete had
said last night?
"Old Man Wood
is all right — n one
better." Pete sel-
dom erred in his
judgment of men.
If Pete could see
under the brusque-
ness she could too.
Dismissing
it from her mind
she looked about.
"And he thinks
this is a prison."
There was a dou-
ble south window.
She went to it and
looked out. She
could see away
across fields that
were green under
brown. The moun-
tains, protectingly
near, were bare
What 9a W-U)hat (Dom 9t fatt?
LET US ANSWER THESE
QUESTIONS FOR YOU
DURING CONFERENCE WEEK
We want you to see how efficiently Goldeno Bottled Gas
works in the new gas appliances made especially for
rural homes. Learn all about its low cost and how easily
it can be installed. For your convenience we are arrang-
ing a series of demonstrations during Conference Week
and ask that you attend one of them. If you are unable
to be here, we ask you to send for our book of facts
which explains in detail how Goldene aids you in your
COOKING — REFRIGERATION
LIGHTING — WATER HEATING
Visit or Write to
Rocky Mountain Gas Co.
123 So. State
Salt Lake City
Gfls BEHonD the mRins
Interveivry space
filled mrn Mineral
Rubber
The Sectional Joint of the
ARMCO
LENNON
TYPE
FLUME
Itods-^- N half Round IZod.
~ Cro55 Section of The Lemon Metal Flume Joint
~ Actual Size. —
has been developed through a Quarter-Century of Experience for
Smooth Interior — Water-tightness — Flexibility
Similar things are true of the designs of Hardesty and Calco Gates, Pipes
and Culverts. They serve the best interests of Water Users, Irrigation
Companies, States and Counties.
Write or Phone for Illustrated Literature
THE R. HARDESTY MANUFACTURING CO.
Salt Lake City
Wasatch 3141
248
with purple shadows. They should
still have harbored patches of snow
but none were visible. In the other
direction she could see the herd they
had passed. It was moving slowly
nearer.
Back in the kitchen Nancy ate the
breakfast set before her.
"I could a set you in the dining-
room," Mrs. Chris began apologet-
ically, but the girl interrupted, "This
is much better."
The woman's face brightened.
Her manner toward the newcomer
took a turn in temperature.
"That is just what I think. What's
the difference where you eat as long
as you git enough? Setting the table
in the diningroom makes a hull lot
more work but Reid fusses over it.
He calls it an old sheepherder cus-
tom. The idea of a — "
"Are they shearing yet?" Nancy
asked quickly.
"Laws, no. They ain't started yet
and won't for another week or ten
days. That is why everything is in
such a bustle. When they are shear-
ed they will start for the Reserve.
Then things will quieten down until
haying starts."
"Do the shearers eat here?"
"No. They used to, but now they
have their regular crews that go
from one plant to another. They
carry their own cook, for which I
am thankful."
There was the sound of steps on
the back porch and Mr. Wood ap-
peared in the door. For an instant
Nancy was panic-stricken. Suppose
she shouldn't be able to stand it.
Suppose she shouldn't be able to
make good. This meant so much.
Then she caught his glance and her
fear vanished. Was there a twinkle
in his eyes? Before she could deter-
mine he spoke.
"Are you through eating? I am
in a kind of a hurry."
She was to learn later that his
"kind of a hurry" by no means
meant inattention to details but was
the habitual excuse of a man who
drove himself from morning until
long after dark. Now she rose.
"I am through."
She followed him across the
kitchen yard to another building.
There were two doors opening from
it. Mr. Wood threw open the near-
est and they went in.
"This is the commissary and of-
fice together," he told her, and his
tone defied her to say it was not a
good arrangement. "The other end
is the bunkhouse and the men's
kitchen. 'Fore we built the big
house it was my home. Seems more
like it now than the other. No home
Support the Advertisers.
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
Beck
onmg
Road:
to that big barn. We send supplies
out from here to the camps. Once
in a while a rancher comes here for
something if he hasn't time to go
to town. So you keep track of what
comes in and goes out and who it
goes to. I'll probably have to check
up on you to see you are doing it
right. You might have to pay the
men, too, if I'm not here, or Reid.
It is a mixed-up job. Here's the keys
and there's the desk and in it are
the books. You ought to have gump-
tion enough to figure things out.
I'll be here off and on."
This had been delivered all in
one breath. He handed her the keys
and was gone. Nancy looked about.
She wondered whether to laugh or
cry and decided to do neither. By
the east wall was a cumbersome old
desk, a relic of days gone by. It was
littered and dusty. One side of the
room was taken up with packing
boxes, their bright labels revealing
their contents. Across from them
and on the floor beneath them was
a sample, the girl thought, of every-
thing under the sun. The room had
the appearance of a very disorderly
general merchandise store.
"Keep track of everything that
Jfefittbal Jfflustc
LADIES
MALE
MIXED
BEESLEY MUSIC CO.
Jhe 3?Pf
NEW GRAND
M. H. THOMPSON
Manager llOICi
Salt Lake City's Popular Medium Priced
Hotel, Located at 4th South and Main
comes in and goes out — -and keep
sweet under anything." The girl
clutched the keys tightly. She must
make good. She would have two
months' wages. With good luck —
three. She would go to school. The
road of the early morning beckoned,
but for some reason it did not seem
quite so alluring. She brushed the
vision hastily away.
(To be Continued)
II" i II II II n-——.|| || hi iii||.ii..i||i |l -II— -»ll
NEPHL
Super-Acoustic
Plaster
1
Used throughout the
University Library
Building and
Many of the Church's
finest structures in
Utah and California
•
A beautiful, durable,
sound-absorbing
■wall finish
•
Manufactured by a
Utah Corporation of
45-years standing
! NEPHI PLASTER &
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! COMPANY
I 401 Dooly Block,
J Salt Lake City, Utah
Iti,.^— h^— n^^n^^n^— ti——ii ™n^— it— n^^it B ■ if*
1
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OZ4i
WITH A
I Magic Chef cooking is real fun . . . it's so easy. Red
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MAGIC CHEF
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fat burns, smoky kitchens. Broiler pan and grid can
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the convenience of a new Magic Chef gas range?
You can have one installed on easy monthly terms.
MOUNTAIM FUELlUPPLY COMPANY
36 So. State, Salt Lake City
Serving 21 Utah Communities
The "Era's" Advertisers Merit Your Patronage.
249
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
L. D. S. Training DoesnH Cost — It Pays!
This month's advertise-
ment of the L. D. S. Business
College is dedicated to one
of the West's outstanding in-
stitutions, the Utah Power
and Light Company,
Silhouetted against the
Mt. Timpanogos skyline is
the Provo steam plant, new-
est member in the family
of 42 inter-connected water
and coal-burning plants gen-
erating electricity for the
j convenience and comfort of
I one-half million people in
I the intermountain area.
The L. D. S. Business Col-
lege is grateful to the Utah
Power and Light Company
for its cooperation in provid-
ing employment opportuni-
ties for many graduates of
the College.
Thorough training {or office work is the first step toward success in the inviting field ol
modern business. Write today for free information about our courses.
L. D. S. BUSINESS COLLEGE
(A department of the L. D. S. College)
70 North Main Street
Salt Lake City, Utah
SKIN BROKEN OUT?
If so, eat two cakes of Fleischmann's Yeast every day,
before meals — for Fleischmann's Yeast helps clear the
skin by keeping waste poisons
that often cause pimples out of the
blood. Start today to eat Fleisch-
mann's Yeast regularly. Buy it
at your grocer's.
■■\s\s\s\s\j\
Supplies Vitamins
FLEISCHMANN'S
FLEISCHMANN'S
YEAST
BE<J.U.S.P*T.OfT
Eat
2<o
CEREAL OR TAPIOCA FLOUR AND
PR1MARV VITAMIN A' AOMO
STAM0AHD IRAMOS OF CALIFORNIA
fee/or* *"
S Or CALIFORNIA
imtilliM
WE OITER . . .
A COMPLETE
ENGRAVING SERVICE
From Missionary portraits to the largest
catalogues.
Mail Orders Given Prompt Attention.
UTAH ENGRAVING CO.
113 Regent St. Salt Lake City, Utah
I' ' "
It ' "^
! THE UTAH PHOTO
MATERIALS CO.
We specialize in Copying, Enlarging
and Kodak Finishing. 26 years in the
Photographic Business in Salt Lake
City.
Was. 2235 27 W. So. Temple
Opposite Temple Square
Priesthood and Security
{Continued from page 203)
agencies of the Church. Also, and more im-
portant, this means to help their member-
brethren become self-sustaining, by securing
for them opportunities for self-help and by
teaching them the principles of industry and
thrift upon which all temporal security rests.
4. To engage in miscellaneous activities,
socials, outings, etc., etc., by which the quo-
rum members may find outlets for their nor-
mal social needs, give employment to their
families, and extend their companionship
with other quorums and groups within the
Church.
Every quorum should have four
standing, active committees, repre-
senting the above mentioned activi-
ties: 1. Class Instruction, 2. Church
Service, 3. Personal Welfare, and 4.
Miscellaneous. No quorum is fully
prepared to function in the Church
unless this organization is perfected.
Quorums so organized and active,
such groups of united brethren,
would become the strength of Zion,
of the Kingdom of God on earth.
They would make the Church a
power on earth among all men, to
bless and redeem the nations now
lying in discord, unrest, and unhap-
piness.
The call has come to the quorums
of the Priesthood to use their power
in establishing firmly the Security
Program to which the Church has
set its hand. This program may ap-
pear at first to be purely material in
its objective, but in reality it is as
truly spiritual as its results. Those
who give to the cause will experience
the great joy that comes from help-
ing others; those who receive, in the
right spirit, will not only be fed but
will be made to rejoice in the broth-
erhood of man.
■W— m& ■ B— «— If
250
HPhe problem of the Priesthood
quorums with respect to the Se-
curity Program is threefold:
1. To help feed, clothe and house the
needy.
2. To help the unemployed find employ-
ment.
3. To help raise the standard of living of
those who are barely subsisting.
In facing this threefold problem,
quorums should remember that it is
not necessary to look far away. The
elements of wealth lie all around us,
awaiting the application of the time
and strength of men. The earth
offers riches to humanity, on the con-
dition that men labor to master and
acquire them.
Every quorum should look about
in its immediate vicinity for oppor-
tunities on which to base security
projects. Is food needed? There
are vacant lots, or unused farm lands
that may be cultivated. Is clothing
needed? A few sheep may be placed
{Continued on page 252)
Mention the "Era" When Responding to These Ads.
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
^\
:>#.-y
New Spring,
HOSIERY
3 pairs for $1.95
For that sleek, smooth
Spring appearance
y *&
/Til
\
/■■/ m.
Beautiful, sheer iour-thread crepe
finish hosiery in all the new spring
shades. Colors: "Cruise Tan," a
lovely sun tan shade for wear with
white, pastels and gay sport hues,
also navy, green and black. "Sunni
Beige," a light radiant sun tone that
may be worn for afternoon and even-
ing. "Exotique," a yellow burnt clay
shade that harmonizes with earth
tones, green, black or sport colors.
Available in a complete size range,
8V2 to 10%. Come in, phone or mail
your order today!
Z C M I, Salt Lake City, Utah
Name
Address
Enclosed please find $ for pairs new
spring hosiery.
Size Color desired
ZCM
DOWNSTAIRS FASHION STORE
These Advertisers Merit Your Patronage.
251
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
The ^mp
NEW GRAND
Hotel
M. H. THOMPSON
Manager
Salt Lake City's Popular Medium Priced
Hotel, Located at 4th South and Main
Now that you are going to have
that after-Church group come to
your home, you want to have some-
thing ready which will fill the bill
and yet be ready when you return
with them. The Globe A-l flour
recipes once again comes to your
rescue.
BUTTER CRISP COOKIES
2y2 c. Globe "A-l" Flour
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 't. soda
1 c. butter
1 large egg
1 tsp. vanilla
Sift flour, measure, add sugar and
soda. Rub in butter thoroughly and
add well-beaten egg and vanilla.
(More flour may be needed to make
a stiff dough.) Knead dough well,
shape into rolls and place in re-
frigerator to become hard. Slice
thin and bake in hot oven (400 de-
grees) 8-10 minutes.
A Good Sport
(Continued from page 242)
going to let down her standards
merely to pretend that she was so-
phisticated when she really wasn't.
She knew that it was all a pretense
with the others. She had been out
with them dozens o£ times and never
before had she seen any evidences
of drink. Larry must have taken
the idea out of a book somewhere
that all city people went to road-
houses and imbibed strong drinks.
She was much relieved when they
decided to go home and came out
into the fresh air with a spirit of
thankfulness. She and Hope climb-
ed into the front seat with Larry,
as before, and the other three into
the rear. Her deep silence con-
trasted rather painfully with the
high spirits of the rest of the
crowd, but she supposed that no-
body was paying any attention to
her by now.
[Concluded on page 255)
252
Priesthood and Security
(Continued [com page 250)
with the flock-master's herd, or food
products may be exchanged for
clothing. Is shelter needed? Wood
may be within reach for lumber, or
gravel for concrete, or clay for
adobes or brick. United quorum la-
bor on such projects would soon
bring rich results to bless the needy.
Every quorum may list many unused
opportunities.
Similarly, employment for the un-
employed should be sought. Again,
home conditions and possibilities
should be surveyed. Are any jobs
The Advertisers,
and Where You Will F
ind
Their Messages
American Smelting and Refining
Co
246
..249
Beesley Music Co
Beneficial Life Insurance Co
Back C
over
..245
Bennett Glass and Paint Co
Blaisdell Hotel
..252
Brigham Young University
..231
Chevrolet Motor Co
..195
Continental Oil Co
..253
Daynes Music Co
..237
Deseret Book Co
..227
Deseret News Press
..254
Eureka Vacuum Cleaner Co
..246
First Security Banks
..230
Fuller, W. P. and Co
..196
Gaeth, Arthur, European Tour..
..255
Glen Bros. Music Co
..246
Globe Mills Co
..229
Hardesty Manufacturing Co
..248
Interstate Brick Co
..237
Kress, S. H., and Co -
..244
KSL Inside Back Cover
Landes Tractor and Equipment
Co
245
..252
Lankershim Hotel
L. B. Hair Oil
..244
L. D. S. Business College..
..250
Midwest Dairy Products Co
..231
Mormon Handicraft Shop
..246
Mountain Fuel Supply Co
..249
National Council of Women
..252
Naylor, H. W., and Co
..244
Nephi Plaster and Mfg. Co
..249
New Grand Hotel
255
231, 242, 249, 252
Oqden School of Beauty Culture-244
Polk, R. L. & Co
..246
Pulham, B. F., Organs
..231
Quish School of Beauty Culture-
..255
Rocky Mountain Gas Co
..248
Salt Lake Cabinet and Fixture
Co
244
..253
Salt Lake Hardware Co
Shell Oil Co Inside Front Cover
Standard Brands
..250
Sugar House Lumber and Hard-
ware Co
..193
Taylor Jewelry Co
..244
University of Utah
..247
Utah Engraving Co
-250
Utah Oil Refining Co
..243
Utah Photo Materials
..250
Utah Savings and Trust
..245
Utah State Agricultural College
..197
Z. C. M. I.
251
OFFICIAL TOUR
Sails from New York
June 24 and 29
for the
INTERNATIONAL
COUNCIL of WOMEN
meeting in
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
July 11 to 21
For detailed itinerary write
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN
630 5th Avenue, New York City
ESTA B LIS HED
TWO GUESTS— ONE CHARGE
LOCATION: Seventh and Broadway, the center
of shops and shows.
COMFORT: For you in furnishings, atmosphere
and service.
One or two guests in room. Same
price. No double rate.
Rooms with bath.
POLICY:
RATES:
Choice
Double Bed — Double or Twins
$2.50 $3.00 $3.50
"No Bargaining — No Worry"
Frank R. Wilson, President
HOTEL LANKERSHIM
LOS ANGELES
C>cx>cx>o()o<>cx>o<>o<)0(>o«o<>o<)o«()
I HONOLULU! |
v When you visit the Pacific y
v Island paradise, stop at the V
B ... B
B
B
B
B
y Headquarters for the people fi
HONOLULU!
When you visit the Pacific
Island paradise, stop at the
Child's
Blaisdell Hote
5
i
B
i
$
B
B
I
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
of Utah and Idaho
Right in the heart of Honolulu's
business district — a delightfully
cool restful hotel.
CHILD'S BLAISDELL HOTEL is
particularly well-known for its
cool dining room with beautiful
wall mural seascapes of Hono-
lulu Harbor, and for its Palm
Court open-air lunch room direct-
ly adjoining.
European plan $1.50 and up.
With private bath $3.00 and up.
i
I
iS
B
B
B
t
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
B
Oxx=xx=x>cx >C=XX=X><=XX=XX=XX=><><=><X=>< >o>«>
Patronize the Advertisers of the "Era."
Mathew S. Child, Manager,
Formerly a resident of
Utah and Idaho
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
Priesthood and Security
available? May irrigation water now
used excessively be used to increase
the farming area? Are small storage
sites available on which labor now
wasted might be used to impound
early water? Can more intensive
crops, requiring more labor, be
grown, such as beets, fruit, garden
truck, peas, beans, etc.? Is dairying
being followed to a sufficient degree?
Are the products of the farm, fruits
and vegetables, prepared properly,
by added labor, for the market, to
secure the best prices? Is the local-
ity suited to some of the so-called
Chemurgic crops, combining the
farm and factory, such as power al-
cohol? Are there possible hand in-
dustries, for the slack season? Per-
haps an investigation into the things
now imported by the locality would
reveal many things that might be
produced by the community.
Help might be given also to those
who are on the margin of self-help.
Are they making the best use of
their resources? Are they spending
their income wisely? What unused
possibilities are within their reach?
The quorums of the Priesthood
should lead out in all such projects,
for they are singularly fitted, by or-
ganization and size, as well as by
spiritual power, for the work. Their
wives and children would rejoice to
be sharers in the quorum projects.
Through wisely directed quorum ef-
forts might come not only help for
immediate needs, but also the direct-
ing of attention toward cooperative
effort or capital investment in indus-
trial enterprises of large and lasting
benefit to the people.
Every quorum should at once set
about to find and plan its projects
for the present year. That which
already has been done so success-
fully by the quorums is but evidence
of what may be done by quorum
activity.
Careful attention should be given
to the new Priesthood plan, with its
weekly meeting, course of study,
stake committee and activity projects
— as published from month to month
under the Melchizedek Priesthood
department of the Improvement Era.
Again, let it be said that the future
of the Church Security Program is
largely in the keeping of the quo-
rums of the Priesthood. May the
Priesthood of the Church, individu-
ally and as quorums, rise to full real-
ization of their responsibilities and
possibilities. May the Priesthood of
the Church read a lesson in success-
ful brotherly effort, under divine au-
thority and power, to all the world.
"Up, awake, ye defenders of
Zionl"
BUY IT
From Your Local
Independent Dealer —
By any yardstick with which you
measure value
He Serves You Best!
No matter what you buy — whether it be
hardware for modernizing your home- —
garden tools — sporting goods — housewares
— a washing machine — a radio — an electric
refrigerator — farm supplies or the simplest
household hardware.
Your local independent retailer can supply
you with dependable merchandise at prices
comparable with ANY OTHER SOURCE OF
SUPPLY — quality considered.
PLUS
Friendly, courteous, personal service that
adds so much "plus value" to your pur-
chase. He is not only a heavy taxpayer,
but he also supports with his time and his
dollars all worthy local community affairs.
Your local independent retailer is deserving
of your business — see that he gets it and
you will be rendering a lasting service to
your community that will come back to you
many fold.
The^alftake ^
/^cHardwafC (So.
"Organized to efficiently serve the independent
retailer."
WHOLESALE EXCLUSIVELY
Salt Lake City — Pocatello — Boise — Grand Junction
TfetCK&tf
MM CONOCO GERM
▼ PROCESSED OIL
OIL-PLATES YOUR ENGINE
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
Solution to March Puzzle
Scriptural Crossword Puzzle-The King Cometh (Zechariah 9:9)
nd
U
our
/ C/f/O • • • •
Preserve in bound volumes
the vast amount of valuable
reading in your Era.
Handsome, durable cloth binding,
stamped in gold, $2.00 per volume.
SPECIAL PRICES FOR TEN OR
MORE VOLUMES
BRING THEM IN NOW
^he Deseret
JNews Press
29 Richards Street
Salt Lake City, Utah
254
ACROSS
Being in neutral equilibrium; act
as it (anag.)
"Be not . . . with thy mouth"
"and . . . shall speak peace"
10 "Behold the man whose name . . .
The BRANCH"
11 "the . . . shall live by his faith"
13 Mohammedan scriptures
15 "I will ... the soul of the
priests"
"one Lord, ... his name one"
"and ... on the breastplate of
righteousness"
"it shall come to pass, that . . .
evening time it shall be light"
"hid in three measures of . . ."
Issue; his (anag.)
22 "For mine eyes have seen thy . . ."
26 Common gazelle of Central Asia
27 Animal; a kind of 51 across
29 Salt
is wisdom"
6
9
16
17
18
19
21
31 "but with the .
34 City; animal
35 "My God" Mark 15: 34
37 An Asherite 1 Chron. 7: 34
38 Another Asherite; the Altar
39 ". . . he shall bear the glory"
40 "a man . . . upon a red horse"
43 God in Hebrew names
44 "things that ye shall . . ."
46 City of Judah; nailed (anag.)
48 "sit and rule ... his throne"
50 "are they, which in . . . honest
and good heart"
51 "And Jesus, when he had found a
young . . . , sat thereon"
52 ". . . not vain repetitions"
53 "I will take away the stony . . ."
Our Text from Zechariah is 9, 10, 11,.
16, 17, 22, 31, 39, 40, 48, 50, and;
51 combined
DOWN
2 Young hog
3 Bird
4 "the iron, the . . . , and the lead"
5 "The Lord ... my God"
6 Town of Switzerland
7 Hindu month
8 Scaffolding
11 Javanese
12 The prophet who said, "behold,
thy King Cometh unto thee"
14 City coupled with Sodom and
Gomorrah Gen. 10: 19
Ancestor of Christ; reversed, an
exclamation
Possess (ref. sp.)
18 "exalt him that is low, and . . .
him that is high"
20 The wall was finished in this
month Neh. 6: 15
15
17
22 Fashionable reception
23 Derived from toluene; I lied not
(anag.)
24 Less than tiny
25 On account of
28 "Let thine . . . now be attentive"
30 Imaginary lower form of man; a
Sulla (anag.)
"all that handle the . . ."
African weaver bird
36 Grandfather of the prophet Zech-
ariah Zech. 1: 1
38 Terrified (ref. sp.)
Independence League
"The great day of the Lord is . . ."
"Lod, and . . . , the valley of:
craftsmen" Neh. 11: 35
47 Canadian province
49 Hebrew letter
32
33
41
42
45
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, APRIL, 1938
A Good Sport
( Concluded [com page 252 )
J-/ arry started to drive the
car down the highway at a fast
pace in keeping with the reckless
spirit he had been showing all eve-
ning. Once when the speedometer
crept past the 50 mark Anne said
sharply: "We aren't in such a ter-
rific hurry that we have to break
the speed limit, are we?"
"It's the spirit of the times, girl,"
Larry answered dramatically. "If
you lag by the wayside, the other
fellow will pass you up. Go fast.
Get somewhere."
"Personally I'd rather not get
there than have to go with a broken
neck," Anne answered.
Larry slowed down a trifle, but
at times when they were passing
cars he came so close to striking
them that Anne shuddered. He was
not keeping closely enough to his
side of the road. Evidently he was
slightly dizzy and was not entirely
able to cope with the bright head-
lights that blared upon him in the
darkness of the night. Finally they
came so close to striking a passing
car that Anne's hand went to her
throat in terror. As soon as she
had recovered from her fright she
reached over for the hand brake and
stopped the car.
"Move over," she commanded.
"I'm driving this car from now on."
"Don't be foolish," said Larry
sheepishly. "You don't suppose
that two little drinks could bother
me any, do you?"
"I think that for a boy who isn't
used to it one little drink is far too
much. It's too much to cause me to
risk my life, I know that."
Larry gave up the driver's seat
without any more argument and
Anne drove home amidst almost
complete silence from her friends.
They, too, had seen possible death
staring them in the face by a matter
of perhaps inches and their hilarity
had dropped very suddenly.
She stopped the car in front of
her own house and jumped out be-
fore Larry had a chance to assist
her. "I suppose that now you are
off the main highway you can get
home all right," she said and hurried
up the walk to the house.
Before she had quite reached the
door she heard running steps be-
hind her and turned to face Warner
Lloyd.
"You didn't say goodnight," he
said accusingly.
"I didn't think it mattered to any-
one whether I did or not," she an-
THE KITCHEN GARDEN
Tn town or out, one of the most worth-
while projects for family interest, for
family economy, and for productive
and healthful outdoor activity is the
so-called kitchen garden, which every
suitably situated Latter-day Saint home
could well afford to have. A govern-
ment bulletin on the subject advises
that:
Fresh vegetables for an average family
may be grown upon a large back yard or
city lot. . . . The use of fresh vegetables
adds variety to the diet and improves the
health of the people. . . . The production
of vegetables at home relieves transporta-
tion difficulties and solves the marketing
problem. . . . The city home garden utilizes
idle land and spare time for food produc-
tion. . . . Thousands of acres of idle land
that may be used for gardens are still avail-
able within the boundaries of our large
cities.
Several books and pamphlets are
available on the subject including Farm-
er's Bulletin No. 1044 of the U. S. De-
partment of Agriculture, for sale by
the Superintendent of Documents,
Washington, D. C.; price 5 cents.
In such pamphlets valuable instruc-
tions are given concerning choice of
crops, preparation of soil, instructions
for planting, cultivation, etc. An article
concerning this activity will appear in
the May issue of The Improvement
Era — but now we say: this is a good
summer project for Latter-day Saint
homes — and now is the season of
preparation.
swered with a slight catch in her
voice.
"It mattered a lot to me," he said,
looking down into her dark eyes.
"I want to tell you that I think you
are the grandest person I've met for
a long time. It takes real courage
for a girl to stand by her convictions
in a crowd like you did tonight."
"I didn't think so," said Anne
quietly. "I just couldn't do anything
else."
"Weren't we a prize bunch of
saps?" said Warner with a rueful
grin. "The boys trying to show me
a good time because I was their guest
and I trying to be agreeable for the
same reason and we come just about
getting our necks broken for our
foolishness. We might have done
too, if it hadn't been for you."
"I know," said Anne with an un-
derstanding smile. She held out her
hand and Warner grasped it closely.
"I'll be seeing you again," he said
in leaving, "and don't forget the re-
ception committee when you come
up to school next year."
"I'll remember," Anne called back
softly.
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Leaving New York
June 15:
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Complete tour visits eleven countries
including Balkans and Russia
Write to ARTHUR GAETH
Brigham Young University, Provo
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'<*„
255
LET'S SAY IT CORRECTLY
Sure is an adjective and can modify only a noun, as "U. S.
government bonds are considered a sure investment."
The adverb is surely. It should be used in the following
sentences: "I surely enjoyed that book, or movie, or play, etc."
"Surely, I am going."
"He's surely a fine fellow."
To the question: "Are you satisfied?" the answer should
be, "Surely." — That is, if you are satisfied.
SOME EXPRESSIONS FROM OUR WORKERS
Montebello, Calif.
February 22, 1938.
Dear Associates:
The Montebello Ward of the Los Angeles Stake has 39
families on record. Enclosed is a list of forty-five sub-
scriptions to The Improvement Era with a check covering
the subscription cost.
Twenty-six hours after our quota was explained to our
ward officer we had all these subscriptions in. Some of our
workers have not given up yet so look for other subscriptions
to follow. Our people are completely sold on The Improve-
ment Era.
Sincerely,
(Signed) Bertram M. Jones,
Bishop of Montebello Ward.
®
Lynn, Utah.
Dear Sir:
WE are very happy to be able to mail these subscriptions
to you, for this now places the Era in every L. D. S. home
in our ward. We feel that you will rejoice with us in our
good fortune.
Respectfully yours,
(s) Vida H. Lind.
Phoenix, Arizona.
WE are very proud of William Percy Johnson and Katherine
J. Dahl. Both of these workers have spent hours of time
and untiring efforts to make the campaign successful. They have
been assisted enthusiastically by a corps of willing workers
chosen from among the Adult and Senior men of the ward.
The stake president is a member of our Mutual and did more
than his share of the actual selling of the Era. The bishopric
cooperated to the fullest extent.
Very truly yours,
(Signed) J. Morris Richards,
President Phoenix Third
Ward Y. M. M. I. A.
<§>
Through the loyal cooperation of jSra directors, M. I. A.
officers, and ward members we have reached the goal we
set out for, and it has been a real joy to place The Improvement
Era in so many homes in our ward.
Apostle Ballard once said, "You have the right to win and
you will win," so with this in mind and the encouraging letter
received from you another effort was made which put us over.
Sincerely yours,
(Signed) Mae Fletcher,
Springville, Utah.
<j>
Miami, Arizona.
Dear Brethren:
I received your letter of the 19th. I appreciate very much
your very kind words of appreciation and encouragement.
But I do not feel that any thanks are due me, for the reason
that I am getting paid liberally in the pleasure I extract from
my efforts in the distribution of the Era. I enjoy this work
as much as I did trying to persuade the people in the mission
field to accept and enjoy that which I had to present to them.
I have received of the same spirit in this work that I felt
then. I had something then and have something now that
is essential to the people to whom I present it.
(Signed) Geo. J. Walser,
Era Director, Miami Ward,
St. Joseph Stake.
OUR BEST DISHES, TOO!
A kindergarten teacher at Sunday School had told the
story of Joseph Smith and the plates obtained from Hill
Cumorah. Wishing to impress it upon the children, she had
pictures of the scenes mentioned, and as they were looking
them over a little girl, eagerly pointing to the picture of Hill
Cumorah, said: "Miss Brown, I know what this is." "All
right," said the teacher, "You may tell the class what it is,"
and Nellie answered:
"That is where we got the dishes."
— Submitted by Julia Stevens, Holden, Utah.
A QUESTION OF RANK
Mrs. Jones, not very close to the Church herself, was never-
theless proud of her son's activities and one morning said
to her neighbor: "My son Tom has been called to go on a
mission."
Mrs. Brown: "Isn't that fine."
Mrs. Jones: "Yes, and he has been advanced in the Priest-
hood!"
Mrs. Brown: "Is that so, what Priesthood was he ad-
vanced to?"
Mrs. Jones: "I am not sure, but it was either a Seventy or
Eighty, but I think it was Eighty."
— Submitted by A. L. Quist, Arco, Idaho.
TIME OUT!
Little brother and sister were ready for bed and brother
was kneeling at the bed saying his prayers. Little sister,
being in a playful mood, kept tickling the bottom of his feet.
As the boy prayed he moved his foot back and forth, trying to
get away from the tormentor, but without success.
Finally the tickling was so extreme that he could stand it
no longer so he said, "Please, Lord, excuse me a minute while
I kick the stuffing out of Phyllis."
— Submitted by Julia Stevens, Holden, Utah.
PROBLEM
a
When I was a baby I was left an orphan."
"What did you do with it?" — Selected.
<*>
TACT
T"V:ntist: "You needn't open your month any wider. When
Jester.
pull your tooth I expect to stand outside." — Columbia
BUGS TO BURN
'♦Vfou see that old boy over there? He thinks in terms of
* millions.'
"He doesn't look to me like a financier."
"He isn't. He's a bacteriologist." — Karikaturen.
WHEN MERCY SEASONS JUSTICE
i immediately was sentenced to a term of not less
twenty years and not more than life. — Troy Record.
256
BILL WRIGHT
RALPH STEVENSON
DICK BEAUCHAMP
EDDIE GROVES
MONTE WILSON
*•
up*
GENE PACK, Chief Engineer
MEL WRIGHT
They Control
KSL's
50,000 Watts
Many listeners to KSL take for granted the
uniform excellence of the station's clear strong
signal. For KSL brings you your music, drama,
your entertainment free of distortion and always
on the same spot on your dial.
On this page are the pictures of the men
who, through long years of training, keep KSL
tuned to you. Most of KSL's engineers have
"grown up" with radio at KSL. This station is
unique in its field in this respect, and KSL's
average engineer has worked in the station
seven yearsl
These candid camera pictures have caught
the engineers at various stages of work. Bill
Wright checks a COS program . . . Ralph Stev-
enson regulates transmitter output . . . Dick
Beauchamp monitors a studio program . . .
Ed.die Groves "cues" a transcription . . . Monte
Wilson makes a routine transmitter check . . .
Mel Wright auditions a program . . . Dick Evans
monitors the CBS Tabernacle Choir program
. . , Stan Rees controls a studio program . . .
Lee Taylor transfers from the network . . . Frank
Gates checks a tube . . . Rollo Kimball checks
modulation.
For nineteen hours a day, these engineers
work under the direction of Chief Engineer
Gene Pack, keeping KSL's signal coming to you!
DICK EVANS
STAN REES
LEE TAYLOR
FRANK GATES
ROLLO KIMBALL
KSL
THE 50,000 WATT
VOICE OF THE WEST
Pictures show. upper
left, beoutiful pear trees
in bloom, in Sacramento
Valley. Upper right, ma-
jestic state capitol at
Sacramento. Lower left.
Historic Sutters Fort, Sac-
r a m e n t o, California.
Lower right, typical res-
i d e n c e and orchard
scene in Sacramento
County's citrus section.
(Photos courtesy Sacra-
mento Chamber of Com-
merce.)
N
/
SN
■
TO THE MIGHTY
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Since the early days of '49, when the pioneers struggled across the con-
tinent to be rewarded by the sight of your broad, fertile valley, you have
been the Mecca of thousands. Your sunny days bring forth crops of
plenty to grace the land. And Sacramento is a proud complement to-
day to the colorful history of long ago. Your past, indeed, justifies great
future progress!
WOODROW M. RIGBY— General Agent
Sacramento Office — 201 Insurance Building
E. Z. Taylor— Gridley
Jos. F. Pomery — Marysville
Clarence Parker — White Horse
George A. Zundel — Chico
Chas. L. Rollins — Chico
Clarence Pomeroy — Lincoln
Herman A. Steinagel — Sacramento
Elmer B. Taggart — Redding
W. Ellis Johnson — Marysville
Herman L. Hummel — Chico
Herbert Wm. Weber — Sacramento
Geo. B. Losee — Vallejo
KMBFKIAL OR
IKtSIttAHCB
e itii^f
Home Office — Beneficial Life Building. Salt Lake City. Utah
heber j. grant. president